I was hesitant at the first discussion about this possibility. But I can not lie, I have been dreaming of the day I can turn in the cab driver's hat and no longer be "on call" to transport her to Timbuktu and back daily.
She began talking about it when she was 15 years old. She didn't even get a whole sentence out before I stopped her dead in her tracks, "not a chance, ain't going to happen". I thought it would be the same for her as it was for the girl before her.
But I'm a slow learner. Our circumstances are different, early-morning Seminary isn't held at her high school like it was for the girl before and her parents are slightly older and tired by 8:00 PM these days.
The thought was becoming more appealing as the months went by. More pleading and promises of responsibility and something about a bedroom staying neat and clean were spewed out of her beautiful lips. Hands clasped in front of her chin, words of adoration and love accompanied the supplication.
If we played this right, we could really get a lot out of the deal. But wait, was I really going to change my initial feelings? I think I was beginning to like the idea. I could see all kinds of benefits with this arrangement. So we decided to go for it.
We were on a mission to find just the right one. I must be the right size, the best color, oh... it must have certain options. It's the only one we will buy for her so it must be as sound as a bell. The price has to be just right; not too much because Mommy needs new shoes.
The purchase was made before Thanksgiving day and stored at an undisclosed location. We checked on it a couple of times a week. Yes, it was still where we left it, still in pristine condition.
Finally Christmas eve arrived, after our traditional activities we ordered the girls to bed. This is where the fun begins. M left the house at 11:30 PM in 22 degree weather walked across the street and through the neighbor's yard, tip-toed across the golf course and through another neighbor's yard then retrieved the gift and came home.
The excitement was building, the girls were fast asleep and no one was the wiser. Our plan was coming together.
Christmas morning was all but finished when M pointed to a spot by the window drape and asked E "what's that thing by the window"? She bent down to reveal a small pink pouch and before handing it to M she looked inside and saw a key.
Things were not totally making sense to her at this point. Could it really be true? They told me it was never going to happen, I. WAS. NOT. GOING. TO. GET. A. CAR. What is going on? Dad is walking me out to the driveway. O! M! G!!!!!!
It was a complete surprise to her. And truth be told a good decision.
Let me know if you want a copy of the Driving Agreement that we instituted. Read aloud and signed by Dad, Mom and E.
BTW the plates say SP0IL3D
