A long time coming....

Well, finally, on Saturday, after two other attempts, Nick passed his learner's permit exam. This was the first time I got to go - the other two times he went with Michael, because I was doing something else.

So, as he walked over to do the test - we went to the waiting area. Michael sat and was getting annoyed that I wouldn't. Not only that, I was staring at him; studing his body language and "giving him the good vibes." Michael thought I was being totally ridiculous - but when Nick turned around and gave us a thumbs up - I was so proud!

Michael told him what I was doing and how he was yelling at me to 'stop!'. Nick laughed and said I was the one bringing him to the driving test 6 months from now.

Now, comes the actual "teaching". I always figured I'd be the one to do it, because, hey, I've taught a few of my friends back in New York how to drive. But Michael was always under the impression HE would be doing it.

I love Michael dearly, but patience is NOT his strong suit. Nick is fully aware of this. I've been there....trying to learn how to drive stick from an x-boyfriend who did nothing but yell and scream at me and you know what? It stressed me out and made learning it impossible. A few days later his friend took me out and I learned in 15 mins. I don't want that for Nick. But when Michael comes to me and says, "Please don't take this from me..." What am I to do?

Nick prefers I'm the one that teach him, but I told him he had to give Michael a chance.

So, here we go...I'm super excited for him, but in this world of texting and driving I'm completely HORRIFIED at the same time! We've talked - endlessly - about drinking and driving and texting and driving. His driver's education class has showed gruesome videos and I've shared youtube vids. But we all know that kids think they are invinceable.

And to make me feel better, I noticed on Saturday night, while at a confirmation party, that he was texting without looking. Without hesitation, and in front of EVERYONE (people I don't know too well), yelled, "Whoa! Don't think just because you can text without looking that it gives you the okay to text and drive!" His response of course was, "Mom, I'm not stupid!"

So, as I let him go a little more, and as he takes the next step towards total independence, what else can a mother to do but talk, talk, talk and pray until he comes home safely every night.