"We're going home."
Words that strike fear in the heart of this daughter. "Home" is a 6-7 hour drive away from where we currently live. It's not the thought of "home" that worries me. It's the thought of mom and dad DRIVING there! On a busy holiday weekend, no less!
Mom is 71, and she's been the primary driver for years. I rarely ride with her, but when I do, I never see her move her head in any direction! I swear she has tunnel vision and only sees what is directly in front of her. The last time I rode with her, I asked if she ever checked her mirrors. No brownie points for me.
Dad is three years younger, and he is a front-passenger-seat driver. He could be a backseat driver but he never rides in the back. He doesn't have a license, and for a very good reason: he hates driving. When he did have a license, he scared us all to death. He spent more time looking at the scenery than he did the road!
The trip home averages 6-7 hours and entails traversing three states. Mom and dad plan to make the trip over two days. I'm glad they will take their time, stopping numerous times along the way to get out and stretch. I think they also plan to take two-lane roads rather than the interstate. I'm hoping the holiday traffic will be less intense on the two-lane roads.
I wish cars were made better to protect drivers who aren't as quick with their reactions as they used to be. Maybe someone should design and market special cars for senior citizens. Cars with big front ends, and rubber bumpers all the way around would be good. Cars with sensors everywhere so anytime the drivers get too close -- to anything! -- beepers go off, warning them to pay attention. If my parents were driving such a car, I might feel a little better about them taking a road trip.
Don't get me wrong, I love my parents. I hope they have a good trip. But I will be praying for their safety. And I will be glad when they return and stay closer to their current home!
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