Sunday, June 21, 2009

A Sad Milestone

Recently my parents drove 45 minutes to my father's eye doctor appointment, as he was due to get a shot for his macular degeneration. Since his eyes have to be dilated for this procedure, my mother drove home. Almost home, they stopped at the main building of their senior citizen facility to pick up their mail. Dad popped out to pick it up. Once back in the car, Mum put her foot on the brake after the car rolled a bit. She took her foot off and the car rolled again. She then put her foot on the brake and said "The car isn't going anywhere." In that moment, Dad realized that she thought she had been putting her foot on the gas and he resolved to keep her from driving ever again.

I give Dad much credit, not only for immediately realizing the gravity of the situation, but for knowing what had to be done. And none too soon.