Crow’s Feet Writing Prompt: Loss of Freedom
We Took Away Dad’s Car Keys
It was clear Dad needed to stop driving, but he resisted moving to the passenger seat.
My father-in-law always insisted I call him Dad. It was a reflection of his sweet and gentle nature. But one day — the day he lost his right to drive— he was not so sweet and gentle.
“Those jerks are discriminating against me!” he railed to my husband and me. “And it’s just because of my age!”
The “jerks” were the assessors at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), who had informed Dad he’d failed his driver’s test.
As Dad continued to rant, we listened patiently. It was hard to see him so upset, but we were grateful his fury wasn’t pointed at us.
The fact was, we were the ones responsible. We tipped off the DMV to Dad’s increasingly erratic driving.
A long, nearly perfect record
For more than 70 years, Dad was an excellent driver. Except for a couple of minor fender benders, his record was flawless.
Cars were Dad’s hobby. An Air Force veteran and professional engineer, he loved to tinker with all things mechanical, especially vintage Mustangs. To Dad, who grew…
