I have officially arrived at the tail-end of the journey. Wanna know how I know?
I DROVE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
First time in four months. I'm pretty sure I haven't felt that way since the first time I rode in my car by myself - windows down & music blaring. Just don't tell my doctor. Apparently, there could be an issue with my ability to slam on the brakes, but I think all systems are go. My mom whipped into the church parking lot and let me do a little test run, so you don't have to freak out or anything. She's a smart lady. Pretty sure she wouldn't let me do anything too stupid. It's like riding a bike. It came back pretty easily. Talk about new beginnings.
We got home after a short 500-foot stint (the church is right across the street from my house), and I just looked at her while we sat in the driveway. The end is near. Not the end, the end, but the kind of end where the light at the end of the tunnel gets really bright. Just to clarify.
Later, after she & I had dropped my sister off at her violin lessons, I piped up (like any eager 15 or 16 year-old...I have no shame) and said, "Hey! Can I drive?" "Sure!", was the reply. So I hobbled into the driver's seat, and put her to D. (You should see my mad skillz with the e-brake...I use my right foot to unlock it & it has to be funny to watch.) I got going down a busy four-lane street, and I started getting nervous. "Is this really like riding a bike? I mean, I'm pretty sure bikes don't weigh a ton." The my mom tried to calmly question: "Why are you hugging the curb so close? Catie, you need to get over. Do you always hug the curb like that? Catie, you really should give them some space. Allow for space, Cate. GIVE THEM SOME SPACE."
*gasp*!!!
Just kidding.
It brought back so many memories. Except this time I felt equipped with humility, and just said, "Okay. You got it, mommy-o." Just like that. I got into the middle, and I gave them some space. No sarcasm, no snarky or snide remarks. Eventually, we made it to Target, where everyone did a double take... "Did that girl just get out of the driver's seat with crutches?"
Why, yes, she did.
Little do they know that my right foot works. And that it can drive.
: )
