So the whirlwind of the weekend passed and Monday came and I found myself with Daniel at the DMV as he was more than ready to take his test for his divers license. HE was more than ready… me on the other hand, not so much. He is about 5 months delayed from when he should have taken his test because he was in the hospital when he should have got his permit. Needless to say he had more than enough practice hours and most of them were back and forth on the same path to and from the hospital. He was ready to take his test but as we waited for his name to be called he admitted to being nervous. we joked that he wasn’t nervous at all a few days early to get up and speak in front of a world wide audience of millions but this he was really nervous for. How funny is that. I had to admit that as much as I am ready to give up the ‘chore’ of driving and shlepping I was not ready to give up our drive time together. I can’t even estimate the car time the two of us have had. He doesn’t particularly like driving, certainly not as much as my car fanatic Matthew. I know Daniel is excited for the independence and I am not nervous about his driving. He is not reckless or irresponsible at all, but I don’t think I am ready to loose this piece yet. it is one of the last bits we get to hold on to of their childhood. The last piece we can hold in our hands of keeping them beside us. Actually, physically bedside us, relatively distraction free, essentially held captive where they have to pretty much talk to you if they want to be taken to their desired destination. The last piece of forced interaction that Daniel admittedly said he enjoyed. Granted it will be a shift in my daily routine as well. I will have yet one more thing to worry about with him that adds to the parenting stress level but as long as we can get the checking in when he arrives at school I think I will feel a little better. I am positive he will not abuse his privileges. The only thing he has done has been to start going to the gym to work out almost every day with his new membership which means he is home at night and tired. I think it will take more for me to get used to than him.