I had planned this for a long time but never got round to it, partly because I wanted him to ask. Then the night before, driving back from The Gardens where we went to get his football boots, he asked if he could drive the car home at the last stretch.
I agreed and he got into the driver's seat but the car didn't move an inch. The darkness of the night didn't help cos we couldn't see the clutch. End of attempt.
So the next day ie. yesterday as I drove off to work, I made a mental note to come home early at least while there is still light to properly give Zane his driving lesson.
It was a hectic meetings filled day, as I rushed home from several delayed and lengthy meetings to get Zane behind the wheel again. This time in proper daylight although it was already late evening.
I drove the car to a secluded stretch of flat road and he got behind the steering wheel. After several attempts to get the clutch and accelerator going, he finally got the car cruising round the neighbourhood. He did. He really did drive a long stretch until he had to stop and restart the car again. Then the coordination of both his feet on the clutch pedal and the accelerator pedal went awry and the car simply lunged forward and died. This happened several times and each time he restarted and tried again only to have the engine die on him as he released the clutch too fast.
The times when he got the car going was when he just 'stepped and release' by pure chance. I think overall he enjoyed himself. Although I don't think I did.
I was such an idiot, a worry wart, an insufferable old man. I was totally impatient with him and I lost my cool. That is just so uncool.
There I was so looking forward to this 'special' moment of a son learning to drive for the first time and I totally lost it. This was supposed to be a milestone in my life and Zane's. Just like the time when all my boys and me got our ears pierced and acquired earrings.
Nett. Nett. I think Zane got a good first time out with driving a manual car while the biggest lesson of all was for me. A person who's supposed to be so calm, cool and collected.
Here's the lesson-Chill Pa!!!
Posts
Hi Peter,
ReplyDeleteHave just read this post until the end, and I thought a while.
Junnie also wanna share her thought for this post.
Everything in this post is the moment you've captured for that nite. Although it's a short moment, but I think you had it with you already. ^_^ You didn't lost it. (Maybe it's just not the way you wanted it to be)
However, it is still 'special' even you and Zane have the second driving lesson.
My point is, no matter how the things turn out to be, you're with him and as long as father and son treasures the moment.
What say you?
Junnie.
I remember Papa was quite agitated with me the first few times I drove under his 'supervision'. Think it's a parent/child thing - I get pretty short-tempered with Nana sometimes while tutoring her although she remains patient...8-/
ReplyDeleteI'd like to think however that "We chasten those we love" excuses,excuses! :-)
Thanks Junnie. I suppose if LOVE=TIME then I would have spent that with Zane.
ReplyDeleteAnd Yes PY, I always do that 'chasen those I love' or is this an excuse? But thanks for the comforting comments you all.
It really helps. :D