DRIVING MISS EMILY

Dear Emily,

      I began driving when I was about twelve years old.  I learned to drive where most country girls learned to drive…on the farm in the hay field and on the back-country roads on the way to my grandmother’s house.  By the time I turned sixteen and actually got my license, I was a confident driver. I was fearless.   While driving an automatic transmission was easier, I preferred to drive a “stick shift.”  Popping the clutch and smoothly changing gears never got old.  In fact, my first car was a five speed Chevrolet Vega.   Eventually, I traded in the five speed for an automatic, but I have never lost my love of driving, and I am still confident in my ability to get behind the wheel and go anywhere I want to go…still with little trepidation. …until now.

      Now, when you are in the car with me, I feel like a moving target.  I am amazed at how careless other people drive when you are riding in the backseat of my Camry!   The road is much too narrow!  That car is coming across on my side….I just know it!  Why is that car riding my bumper?  Surely he knows that he is too close….he is at least within fifty yards!  Yikes!  I realize I am gripping the steering wheel while little beads of sweat trickle down my back.  Will I never get home?  The four miles from Miss Peggy’s are filled with danger, and I breathe a sigh of relief when we arrive safely on Mahaley Road.  Whew!

      You and I have lots of places to go and lots of things to see.  Eventually, I will relax when you are with me and I will own the road once again.  But for now…I am so intensely aware of the precious cargo in my back seat…for now other drivers need to get out of my way….Emily and I are on the move!