Another Driver in the Family

My oldest daughter got her drivers license this week. No big deal. I was waiting for this day. I was loving the idea of having another driver in the house… someone who could go run to the store and get me milk or sugar or coffee when I ran out. It would be great to not have to worry about getting the other girls to school in the morning if I had to leave the house early. I would be able to take additional work. This was going to be great.

She was a nervous wreck, sure she would fail the driving test. Turns out she passed with flying colors and the grumpy old instructor even wrote “Great Drive” on her score sheet. There was a little disappointment that she didn’t receive her actual license right there and then (they printed a paper and she gets her actual card in two weeks). Not sure how Costco can print membership cards while you wait, but the DMV hasn’t quite gotten there yet.

We went to dinner to celebrate and all was right with the world.

Yesterday… as I was working on my laptop in the house, she came to my door and said she wanted to go drive somewhere. I briefly looked up from what I was doing and said, “Hang on a few minutes until I’m done and then I’ll take you out.” Oops… what is wrong with this picture?

I looked up at her and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I DON’T NEED TO TAKE HER… SHE CAN TAKE HERSELF OUT!

WHAAAAATTTTTT?????

Seriously, it didn’t hit me until just this moment. My kid can drive. Without me. All alone. Anywhere she wants.

OMG!!!!!!

I suddenly got really nervous. Not because she isn’t a great driver… she is… but because that’s it for my last little shred of control. She is now totally responsible for her actions. She’s not quite an adult… but seriously… being able to drive a car by yourself is a HUGE responsibility.

So yes, my dear… go ahead and take the keys. But don’t expect me to stop worrying. Every. Single. Moment.