Mr. Independent

As you can tell from the picture, David is now driving!

In fact, today was the first day he drove himself to and from work. 

So this started in February when David confirmed that his driver's permit was still valid and could indeed legally drive, with a licensed driver as a passenger. So late February we booked 12 hours of driving instruction with a local company.

His driver instructor Gary was impressed. The first trip out and David was already driving well enough to where Gary was sure he had drove before. David finished his lessons and signed up for an additional few hours and then a road test. His instructor was perfect for him. He was stern enough to yell at David, but caring enough to keep pushing him, which if you know David at all, you know he needs that sternness. 

So on May 20th, after around 18 hours of driving lessons, and about the equivalent of driving experience outside of his lessons with me as a passenger, he took his road test and passed.

I could not believe it. I mean, so little driving experience and he passed his road test. I'd be lying if I said excitement was the only thing I felt. Obviously, I was now petrified. 

The stars happened to align while David was taking his driving lessons and my Sister had given him her car. The A/C was broken in it and it needed some TLC on the inside, but it was a working car that he now owned before he even had his license. Now that he had his license that meant that he would be driving himself to and from work. If you're from Florida you'll know why this is scary. The people here drive like fucking animals. And here's my husband, with very little practical driving experience now on his own. 

Of course I wasn't going to hold him back though. My every instinct was to prevent him from driving himself, but I know that is not the way. He needs this. He's earned this. So with all of the fear bottled up in me, I encouraged him. And you know what? It paid off.

Today he made it to and from work, no issues. He drove safely, and he got to his destination. As much as I want to protect my husband from the world I can't allow him to be sheltered from it. I can only teach him what I know and hope for the best. 

I'm so fucking proud of this boy though. He has worked so hard to get to this point finally, and now he's crossed the finish line. He's now independent. No longer will he need to wait for the bus, or catch a Lyft, or a ride from a friend. He can now walk, instead of run, to the parking lot after work since once he clocks out he abides by no schedule. 

I've been wanting this for him for as long as we've been together. I've been wanting him to have this freedom and this independence to do whatever he wants. Go wherever he wants. Now he can. 

This is such a major milestone for him and I couldn't be happier. I just need this dreadful fear to dwindle down and for the idea of him driving to be the norm. In the meantime you bet your sweet ass I'll be on edge each and every drive too and from work.