This afternoon I received a call from my dad - he'd been in an accident. No one was hurt and he needed a ride. I quick put dinner in the oven to start on the timer, put my contact in and something on my feet (police might be involved and I do drive barefoot a lot).
My dad was leaving the University Club - Tuesday Lunch and Learn for the Retired Set - he turned in front of someone - after looking a few times, he said - and I believe him - he is a careful driver. He is extra careful because of his (lack of) vision problems.
I got there to see 2 tow trucks and a Lansing police car -- one truck for his van and one for the ladys' car. She and her daughter were visibly upset - they were going to ride in the tow truck to somewhere. I offerred a ride to her too. The young police officer was very nice - yes, it was my dads' fault and I told him we have been concerned about his driving. He may have to be tested again before getting his liscense renewed. I'm not worried about the near future - he has nothing to drive!!!!! The far future is another story...........to be continued.
Vehicles were cleaned out, towed away and my dad says he was on his way to Meijers as he hadn't been in a week. So off we go to Meijers. Shopping with a 91 year old who has his "list" scrawled on the front of the newspaper ad is really something. He does know the layout of the store pretty well - that's all I will say............
We drove in the driveway and my mom was surprised to see me - and then surprised to see my Dad - then surprised at what had happened. I helped get the groceries in and kinda put away. I didn't want to stick around too long - my parents are yellers and I knew fireworks were going to fly.
My dad did consult his little black book to see what he had on his schedule. I get to accompany him to a very top notch luncheon with big whigs at Michigan State University on Monday!!!!! There were a couple other dates that he will ride with someone else anyway.....so they are set for a little while.
I had to find Capitol City Body Shop and get his house key and library card off the key chain that he left in the van - no problem. He will handle the insurance man, etc. The van is 10 years old - don't know if it is fixable or not.......and don't know if my dad will be driving again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a little excitement for my afternoon since I spent the morning being domestic and cleaning house. I had planned to meet a friend for a good walk - I really need that now!!!!!! Hopefully we will walk Thursday afternoon.
If...........John is home from foot surgery in time. Life doesn't let up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9 comments:
Yikes! I'm glad he's okay. Let me know if you (or they) need anything!
Linda, I'm glad your dad didn't get hurt. Lucky! But if he loses his freedom to drive that will hurt. Good you could just drop things and go get him. Missed you last night -- had a good turnout for Phyllis's welcome back potluck. 18 people here. Daisy
Wondered why you weren't at Daisy's. Glad your Dad was ok. And by the way congrats on the NGA magazine photos. What an accomplishment! Jackie
This is the hardest part for elderly people. They believe their skills are the same as when they were fifty, but they are not. If only they could drive only in a straight line, but then they have tree vs. car accident. Hope you can keep him off the roads. Very glad he wasn't hurt or the people in the other car. And yes he needs another road test to keep driving. His doctor can request one and it can be done before he is allowed to drive again.
It's very sad and very hard. We went through this with my father-in-law when we took away his keys. The eye doctor said his vision was good enough, which didn't help us! It's not just vision, it's reflexes and judgement. I kept telling my husband, we can't let him hurt anyone on the road. I'm glad your dad and the lady and her daughter are okay.
Linda - not sure if you know, but Dad and Barb talked to him a couple of weeks ago about not driving anymore - taking taxis and the like. Out here in New England, they require driving exams every 5 years for those over the age of 70, which I think is an excellent idea. And I'm hoping that Grandpa will have to do that before he gets his license back. Sending hugs!!
-Erin
Well, Linda, --- been there and done that and I wish I could tell you that it will get better --- it doesn't. The previous comments say it --- my hope is that your Dad will accept the inevitable gracefully, and that you will have some help with the upcoming demands on your time.
Thank you all......Giving up driving was discussed a month ago and the now will be brought up again. The police officer said he would recommend testing with the Secty of State office - which should settle the issue.
My folks have a list of cabs available to them (and some are not expensive at all) and will be filling out the forms to qualify for SpecTran. They have me in town and wonderful neighbors and friends who will help.
Next step - shoveling snow - "But it's good exercise." He mowed the lawn this summer, but he is getting frailer.....and more stubborn than ever!!!!!!!!!!
So glad that nobody was hurt. My parents (upper 70's) play bridge a couple of times a week with the "older" folks and talk about the seniors driving to bridge. Hopefully, mom and dad will be able to recognize the situation when it's their turn.
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