page 6 to drive or not to drive that is the question.

page 6

 To drive or not to drive that is the question


Mother keeps herself busy, but often gets a bit frustrated when she can’t get out as much. With the new walker (with the seat attached) she has got quite confident about getting up and down the steps when going for a wander around the drive. As mother says when she’s tired she just sits down.

 I was up there recently mother announced that she was going out the next day to visit her friends, another couple that are unable to get around much, to see if they were alright.

“That’s fine mother but how are you going to manage it”

“Use my walker out to the car and then drive there” mother stated.

“Yes a good idea, what are you going to do when you get there?”

 “Use my stick!” mother looks at me as if I am stupid. Mother’s mobility has not been very good since I found her on the floor, she has relied on mobility aids a lot more recently and not used her walking stick as much.

“Yes you can but there is a kerb, step at the gate and the door, your friends can’t help you so how will you get up them, without the walker”

“Not a good idea is it” mother was thoughtful

“Not really but if you want to I can come over with you” that suggestion was acceptable.

The next day I arrived to take her over to her friends.

“We need to go to the supermarket first. I phoned and asked if they needed any thing” mother can be so helpful.

“OK, let’s get on then. Who’s driving” I asked hoping I was.

“I am” no mother was.

So off we went to the supermarket for the shopping. Out the drive, across the road into the flow of traffic and on to the roundabout, I have my hand close to the hand brake these days ready.

“Why did that car beep at me” asked mother.

“Because you cut the corner and went to close to him” might as well be honest.
In Silence we turn into the supermarket.

“What is the matter with people today, that bloke just glared at me” mothers getting indignant now.

“You didn’t indicate so he couldn’t tell which way you were going and he wanted to come out of the car park”

“Well I knew and it’s quite obvious I’m going in here” mother rules the road.

I’m dispatched to get the shopping while mother waits in the car.

“Have you got everything? Are you sure” mother is getting impatient now, not a good thing.

At the roundabout mother cuts the corner again this time it was a motorcyclist that came along side waving his fist.

“What have I done know”

“Mother you keep cutting the corners on the roundabout, it upsets people”

 I know it sounds cruel being so honest, but this is self-preservation. When we arrive at her friend’s house mother says,

 “You take the shopping in, I can see a bit of ice over there so it might be slippery” there was a sharp frost last night and yes there is some ice, on a puddle yards away.

“The paths are clear if you hold my arm it will be fine”

“No, you go in, I will wait here” mothers sulking.

Off I go armed with the shopping and mothers excuses. Her friends were fine about it and waved to her saying they would meet up another day.

Mother drove back to the house and parked the car. When we were sat having a cuppa she suddenly announced that she wouldn’t be driving anymore so I would have to.

Which I think is a brilliant idea.


Till next time

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