The Big 16

Lately, I have been reminiscing about the day I turned 16 (seems as though it was just yesterday). This memory is haunting me now, probably because it's my sister's turn. Like me she is counting down the days until she can drive. There was something about the thought of driving that made me feel that adulthood was finally at hand. Having a set of wheels meant “freedom”. I could for the first time go anywhere my little heart desired. My parents could and did give me parameters, but once I left the driveway, it was my decision to turn either left or right. I cannot, however, picture my "little" sister reaching the same milestone. Instead, I still picture her getting lost in her own bedroom! There is absolutely no way she will be able to find the nearest gas station. Along with driving comes tremendous responsibility. There are little things to keep in mind like putting the proper gas into the car. I found out by trial and error that diesel fuel doesn't seem to be as effective as good old fashioned gas. Mr. Tow Truck Man thought it was pretty funny. And maintenance cannot be ignored. Well actually I tried, but the flashing lights on my dashboard would not leave me alone; oil needed, light bulb out, wiper fluid low. My next car will definitely predate all this fancy stuff so I can listen to my music without interruption. Speaking of getting lost, a GPS device is a must for soon to be drivers like my sister who are directionally challenged. It does take some getting used to, having some strange guy telling you to turn left in 800 feet. How could he possibly know that? It absolutely makes my day, when the little man under the hood is wrong and I arrive somewhere that tuns out to be nowhere near the place I wanted to go. I could ramble on and on about the concerns I have for my little sister as her leap into adulthood arrives. Fortunately she has an older sister with experience that can guide her to her new found freedom.