Sunday, January 11, 2009

Rite of Passage

This guy
took my car yesterday, and drove himself across the ferry, through Seattle, across a floating bridge and to my sister's house. They spent a good day shopping together, and had dinner with my brother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law. Then he drove himself to my brother & sister-in-law's house, spent the night with them, and went skiing with them all day today. This was his first time using his new skis, boots & poles (birthday and Christmas gifts).

He then drove himself back over the bridge, through Seattle, across the ferry and safely home; praise God!

I'm not sure for whom it was a rite of passage -- him, or me -- but I'm very relieved!

Congratulations on getting your driver's license, David.

11 comments:

Busy Bee Suz said...

Oh my gosh...just letting go of those apron strings...that is a toughie. But, he will be a better man for it. You? not so much. :)
But you are doing good. You are a fabulous Mom and you wouldn't let him do anything that you did not think he CAN do!!!
What a great young man you have raised. I hope the skiing and visiting w/ family was fun for him.
You see? when I was his age...I would have taken that car and went anywhere BUT spend time w/ family....what a keeper he is.
thanks for sharing.
Suz

Erin said...

Oh my! I bet both of you were so proud. Even I get nervous driving in Seattle and I've had my license much much longer. Way to go!

I'll be down that path with Brock in about 5 years. Tell me, does it seem possible?? I cannot fathom him driving....but then again, I get surprised when he remembers to put his dirty clothes in the hamper. Surely it's a maturity issue.

Me said...

I just showed this to Tom and he said WOW! Can't believe he did all that ALONE! Does he have as GPS in the car? After living here 3 months I know how incredibly easy it is to get lost and end up on the wrong bridge (or God forbid, wrong FERRY!) so Tom and I are extremely impressed and proud as well!

Where did he ski? Tom spent Saturday up at Snoqualmie. He hasn't skied in 8 years and after a few runs went down double blacks. Makes me so dang nervous!!!! Skiing has now replaced golf. Tom would love to go with David some weekend. They would have a blast.

Gberger said...

Thank you for the kind comments.

Smiley girl: No GPS in the car -- just a photographic memory!
David said he would love to ski with Tom. Just have him call & they can coordinate their calendars.

pysanki.blogspot.com said...

I have a feeling it was probably both. Every time you post a photo of David I can't get over how grown up he looks.

Angela said...

Holy $#!% Way to go David! You...you are a wonderful, inspiring momma...love you - Ang

Clippy Mat said...

Yep, the hard thing is not that they are out there alone in the world driving ( a car that they didn't pay for ) but that you have to wait on tenterhooks until they return, in one piece.
He must have had a good teacher.
:-))

Tara said...

Good for him!! And you...what a great mom you are to him. I cringe at the thought of my boys driving, but I know it will come quicker than I would like it to. Glad he had a good time.

Genie Sea said...

Wow! That's a huge rite of passage for both of you. I am glad you made it through! It sounded a lot more fun for him. :)It is a proud moment! :)

Anonymous said...

Ok, I will be prepared for this rite, my teenager is currently studying for his Learner's. Janet

HWHL said...

Wow.... that is a Big Deal, Karen. I know you look at him and still see your baby boy.

I look at my (almost) 13 year old son and think he'll be driving before I know it.... and then I gulp hard, and resolve not to think about that for awhile.

A "floating bridge"???? This does not sound safe to my "insurance-nerd ears"... I'm sure it is, though. You Pacific Northwesterners are an interesting bunch, dealing with the water the way you do. :)

GOOD for David - lots of independence was shown!! And GOOD FOR YOU!! Lots of deep breaths (I'm sure) were breathed, prayers were said. Proud of you. :)