March 3 – Driving...or Not!

Recently I have been writing a short family history that I intend to give to our children. Actually, I began this project during COVID but as the restrictions were lifted and our days of isolation became fewer and far between, my writing ambitions decreased. It is only in the last couple of weeks that I have looked back on my project. One of the stand out topics seemed to be around driving.

In my youth, I loved driving. I loved being behind the wheel and the independence that came with it. I was the one who decided on direction, speed and destination. When I moved to Canada, one of my goals was to drive across the country.

As it turned out, fate intervened, and when Lyle and I finally made that trip in 2012, it was Lyle who did the driving as we began the White Cane Connections journey.

My sight changed quite suddenly in 1986. One day I was able to drive and the next day I couldn’t see well enough to be behind the wheel. It was a huge blow and definitely a life changer. For me, there was no question but that my driving days were over.

In view of my own experience, I have great empathy for other people who need to give up their driver’s license. I even have a pang of sympathy when they tell me that they know they shouldn’t be driving but still hang on to that small measure of independence. I say only a small pang because the question remains to ask how would they feel if they were to be an accident because of their failing sight. Some respond that they would take that chance. After all, it is their life to do as they wish. But then there is the second part of the question. How would they feel if someone else was involved in the accident. How would they feel, if for example, their vehicle hit a child, or anyone else for that matter. Giving up driving is a small price to pay.

I still miss driving. I miss the pleasure of being behind the wheel and the independence of having my own vehicle. However, as have many others in similar situations, I have learned to adjust. Basically, if you think that maybe you shouldn’t be driving then the solution is simple. Don’t!