Dear Mom,
For 16 years and 43 days, not to mention the 9 long months before that, I have done everything I could to keep my boy safe. My radar has become finely tuned, and the eyes in the back of my head have not yet needed cheaters. For years, I slept with one ear open, or had my sleep disturbed by horrific dreams of toddlers stepping into oncoming traffic. I've made sure he was vaccinated and had regular checkups and balanced meals and knew to look both ways before crossing the street.
And all that time and through all that effort, despite all driver's education classes and all the hours practicing, I knew that this day would come. But somehow it never seemed real.
Today, the Young Man passed his driving test and earned his driver's license. He drove his dad back to work and then for the first time, drove to golf practice.In the car. Alone. By himself. In the car.
I am not waking up from this one. And I will not breathe right until the car is parked in the garage and he is back home safely.
I don't know how you did it Mom.
Love,
Kim
