I learned to drive shortly after I learned to ride a bicycle. Since I didn’t need a license to ride a bicycle, I figured I didn’t have to have one to drive a car either. Well, I didn’t say I was driving legally, but then I wasn’t driving out on the highways either. I waited until I was at least 14 before I ever hit the pavement. As soon as I turned 15, I was in line at the county courthouse for a learner’s permit. Dad died that year and Mom had not yet mastered the art of driving, so I became the resident chauffeur in the King household.
I first learned in some of Dad’s trucks at his coal yard. Before I actually drove one by myself, dad would let me sit in his lap and turn the steering wheel and change the gears. Eventually, I grew enough and had learned enough for him to move over. I could barely reach the pedals, especially in my dad’s trucks, but if I sat way out on the front of the seat I could make it work. He had a huge set off drive-on scales. On days when the lot wasn’t too crowded with customers, Dad let me drive around the lot and pull the trucks on and off the scales. I managed to never run over anything or anyone. I did scare a couple of dogs half to death a time or two.
I have always enjoyed driving ever since then and have not taken the privilege for granted, especially for these past five weeks. For the third time in the past 14 years, my driving privilege has been suspended. No, I have not lost my license, just my ability to drive. Two of those times, including the one I now find myself in, have been due to eye surgeries. It’s really not that I can’t drive, it’s just that I can’t see well enough to drive without running over what I can’t see, you see? The other time was for six weeks after my open-heart surgery. So, for now I’m like that 14-year-old who is anxiously waiting for his birthday to arrive so he can hit the highway. I do have a birthday coming up in a few days, but I don’t think I’ll be on the road again quite yet.
I have been reminded once again that driving is what gives us much freedom. It allows us to come and go as we wish without having to depend on someone else. What if we didn’t have anyone else? Driving is a privilege we often take for granted, but we will bemoan the fact that we can’t when we can’t. I am most thankful for my sweet wife for her ability and willingness to drive me where I need to go. Lately, that has been to the doctor’s offices more than anywhere else, but that’s beside the point.
I have developed a deeper sympathy for those who, either because of their age or physical issues, are no longer able to drive or retain a license. They are often as saddened to lose that privilege as we were gladdened to gain it as a youngster. Sometimes they become trapped at home, or wherever they live, with no means of traveling where they need to go. If you know of someone in that situation, please give some thought to giving them a ride some time. You might very well be giving them a lift in more ways than one. I hope to “see” you soon!
Bill King can be reached at bkpreach@yahoo.com.
