Another milestone

Yesterday we hit another milestone. I took our 4th child for her driving test. On one hand I was praying madly for her success and the other I was questioning why we were allowing her to operate such heavy machinery. Is she really ready to be all alone on the road? Do I want to turn her loose to brave the treachery of the traffic and aggressive drivers? She is responsible, I tell myself. She is cautious. But it isn't her that I'm most concerned about. She won't be drinking and driving, but she might encounter a drunk driver while on the road.

I waited for her to return. I watched the door. I was hoping I would have an idea if she passed or failed by her countenance and wouldn't have to ask. She came through the door with a skip. Her smile was unmistakable. We have a new fully-licensed driver in our house. Our drivers once again out-number our cars.

And now I wait anxiously again. It is snowing and cold and I'm hoping the roads aren't too slick or icy. Our driver has gone to the library with her younger sister. I thought this was a good thing, that it would make my life a bit easier. Hmmm...sometimes the mental and emotional work of a parent is harder than chauffering your children around town yourself.