Thursday, July 3, 2008

On my drive home...

On my drive home from work last week, I got stuck behind an elderly woman. She was doing about thirty in a 45 mile per hour zone and I started to get a little aggravated with her. I mean, come on lady, “Step On It.”

…but then I stopped myself, not my car, my attitude.

She looked to be in her upper eighties…maybe even 90’s. I know there are a lot of people out there that would say she probably shouldn’t still be driving. I agree there are some senior citizens that should turn in their licenses, but not all. If they’re no longer able to drive safely, yes, turn it in. But many are still capable, but just have to go a little slower.

So I thought to myself, “Why should I get aggravated with her? If I’m running late, maybe I should have left earlier.” I question why it is that road construction, a train, or an accident can tie me up and it’s acceptable…but an elderly person driving a little slower is not?

That woman that was driving in front of me is a person, just like me. She has her own life just like me. She may not be able to ‘move’ as quickly as she once did, but it doesn’t make her any less significant. And you know what? I hope if I’m still around at that age, that I’ll still be driving, because it would really suck to have to give up my independence and rely on someone else.

So I asked myself, “What’s the hurry? Life is too short.” So, I sat back, enjoyed the ride…and took the time to smell the roses, as they say…

Have a happy and safe Independence Day.

Toodles~

3 comments:

Coal Miner's Granddaughter said...

Amen, sister. I find myself getting so irate, so easily, when I'm behind the wheel and I need to just slow down and remember that unless the other driver is being blatantly stupid, that is another human being.

Thanks. :)

Anonymous said...

Yo Cuz!
I'm baaaaaaaaaack!!! Man, it was HOT in southern Missouri! But we had some fun! So now I'm catching up on your blog and commenting ya.

I've been know to get real PO'ed at the slow old ladies myself. And then I get to swearing at them. But you're right (of course) in that we should all cut them some slack.

Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you mean. We all need to take more care. That'll be us one day being harassed by some young whippersnapper. I'll be grateful at that age if I can still walk unaided, let alone drive. This is a good reminder of what's important.