Chipper

Today was a very special day. I don't want to get to flowery or emotional because I don't want to embarrass him, but my son Chipper got his instructional driving permit...finally!

Legally, he could have been driving by now. It is partly the busy-ness of our lives that has prevented us from making the trip into the city to the DMV. The other part was my perception of his readiness...which is based largely on fear.

I don't make decisions based on fear. So I tell myself. Reality is more complex than a slogan like that. As a young child, Chipper struggled for years with a seizure disorder. Though he has been medication free and seizure free for many years, I still have painful memories of those difficult days.

Today the high school let out early due to the heavy snow. Athletic meetings and practices were cancelled. Perfect time to visit the DMV, right? No lines!! And the roads were mostly melted by the time we set out.

Chipper passed his written exam on the first try and we were out the door in half an hour. I swallowed the rest of my fear and made him drive me, Ralph and Ruby, home.

As difficult as it is to let this boy grow up, having another driver in the family will come in handy!