Driving Differences

I wonder why I think my daughter is a lousy driver? She, being a police officer, is the only one in the family who has had specialized driving courses. She has had all kinds of training in high speed and evasive driving courses. I would think that with all her training, she would be the best driver in the family.

All I know is that I always choose the back seat when I go in her car. I just can't watch out the window and see the crash that I just know will happen at any moment. I guess my "ignorance is bliss" theory really works for me in her car.

I like being in the right (or correct) lane way ahead of time rather than waiting until the last minute and then having to cuss because someone won't get out of my way. Apparently, my daughter likes to cuss.

I like to hit my brakes way before everyone in the car has a heart attack. She's also had lots of CPR training so I guess that doesn't scare her either.

If the music is on, I like it low so you don't have to scream. She has three teenagers and a toddler, so I think screaming comes pretty naturally.

My daughter is quick to change the station at the end of each song to see what the other station might be playing at that moment. The second a song starts and she doesn't like it, she quickly has to change it again. As much as I love music, and I do, I prefer the quiet of no music in the car. I like to use that quiet time as a designated time for my brain to sort out my thoughts. I really enjoy letting my thoughts wander and having that time to escape all the sounds of the world around me.

I think another thing that bothers me about her driving is that we always have to go fast. I understand that I’m not on any time schedule and have forever to get anywhere I might be going, but gee whiz, could we just leave a few minutes earlier? It seems a simple solution to me.

That’s another thing... the simple solution or easy way is never my daughter’s choice.

I live four houses from the corner. I don't understand why when my daughter is driving, we have to punch the gas, race to the corner, then slam on the brakes. It just makes no sense to me.

I love my daughter dearly but I really hope that her children don't pick up her habits when it comes to driving. Our differences are many and I can appreciate most of them.

I know that right now, if she were hearing this, she and my grandkids would all chime in on how I drive like a little old lady, but really, 35 MPH is a good speed. You can look around and enjoy the sights and just relax. I guess it's just an age thing.

At this stage of life, she's in a hurry and I'm not.

Sharon Benson Smith is a member of the writing class offered through the Cerritos College Adult Education Program. It is held off-campus at the Norwalk Senior Center.