These are the facts about the determination of our Dad. He was a man of determination when wanting his way - in fact to the point of maybe a little too much persistent at times.
The hardest thing for Dad to accept was not being able to drive. He just didn’t seem to make the connection between having to actually being able to see (with macular degeneration) in order to drive.
He seemed to be obsessed with getting a drivers license after collection a variety of toys including Gators, golf carts, and other 4 wheel contraptions. Dad even found a back road into Edgeley, but unfortunately the route took him past our neighbor, Tracey’s place who is the highway State Patrol in our area and who had already reproved Dad about driving on the road to Dads disapproval.
Finally, when joining Mom at the nursing home we were relieved, thinking he would finally quite badgering the family about getting his driver’s license. That, however, was not a discouragement to him.
During a visit from Donna and Maggi, thinking he had new enlisted some new sympathizers, he would put them to the test convinced them into taking him to the DOT to get his drivers license. Hoping that this would end his persistence, they reluctantly agree.
Walking up to the counter, using his cane, Donna assisted him while Maggi takes Dad’s place in a long line of what looked like first-time drivers with expressions of “WOW, I hope I don’t meet this man on the road.”
The lady at the counter asked, what can I do for you? To which Dad replied, “ I want to get my drivers license renewed”. When asked, well did you study? Dad responded, “Well I can’t see!” Without breaking stride, a compassionate, understanding lady routinely took his address, picture and gave him his ID card.
Meanwhile, the room became suddenly quiet while the wide eyed, waiting drivers suddenly focused their attention on the scene unfolding with Dad.
The compassionate, understanding lady very routinely took his address, picture and gave him his ID card.
He thanked her as he hobbled out on his cane with a feeling of satisfaction but also a realization of knowing that this battle he may have to let go.
The ride home seemed a little solemn with a confirmation that we were all resigned to the facts. The licensing subject was never brought up again. That was the persistence of our Dad – always a bet of a rebel, but we loved him just the same.
These are the facts of the case, they cannot be disputed.
