Things Are Slower Than They Appear

Yes, that is a play off the warning (“WARNING:  OBJECTS MAY BE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR”) on the passenger-side rear-view mirror.  Which, how can you watch the road and read that at the same time? 

I digress.  The title refers to the view I have had over the last 5or so months as the 15 year-old has driven with his learner’s permit.  The first time I got in my truck with him at the wheel, it was very weird.  Just getting in on the passenger side took adjustment because I had to hoist a different leg on the running board.  Then, the seat belt is on the right shoulder vs. the left and I have to change which hand I hold my drink in (should have been stronger than coffee!).

If you have ever ridden the Aerosmith Rock & Rollercoaster @ Disney, that was us as we left the driveway.  If you haven’t, imagine an Appollo rocket launching.  I swear we hit 80 before we got to the end of the driveway.  My head becomes a swivel as I quickly look at the speedometer.  The first thought is “damn, I have got to get the truck in and have the gauges checked out.” I couldn’t believe it!  We were only going 15!  I finally realized the speedometer wasn’t broken, but that he was really going 15 mph. 

Next, I didn’t realize that my tires were 8 feet wide.  They have to be!  Otherwise, we would have driven off into the ditch on the right side.  The final realization was that I now know why all the Drivers Ed cars have that extra brake for the passenger.  As we went along, I must have put a dent in the passenger-side floorboard. 

Yes, I have attempted to put a humorous spin on riding with your child for the first time, but in reality, he is a very good driver – even better than his mother!  It is all about perspective and that applies to many different situations.  Sit in someone else’s seat and look at the world through that perspective.  It might just change your outlook.

From the passenger seat,

Zach, A Tennessee Squire