Park It Over Here, Hun

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120766921

This season of giving thanks always make me feel especially nostalgic, and reaching out to far-away friends and family. One of these family friends is in her 90s, living a charming and fiercely independent life in a country bungalow with a screened front and side porch. Her yard is in a perpetual state of color and bloom. The swept drive and scrubbed walk lets visitors know immediately they are visiting someone who loves their home, and you best wipe your feet first!

She's got a drawl as sweet and genuine as molasses, and calls everyone "Doll" or "Hun." She makes dinner every Wednesday night for her large extended family; she knows the importance of keeping her family together, and she's mighty proud of it. I love how kind and warm she is to everyone, and how deeply she leans on her faith. I've heard her say more than once, "I don't know how anyone gets by without God."

Today, though, she seemed a bit tired, perhaps from the holiday. But later, we learned it was due to her not driving anymore. Her family had made the tough decision that it was no longer safe for her to be on the roads; what a blow to her free-wheeling schedule, when she could just pick up and go as she pleased!

As I listened to this story on NPR yesterday, I couldn't help but wish that the automakers had realized earlier what an important market segment older drivers are. Not being able to drive, due to physical limitations, is a terrible blow to self-sufficiency.

Drive safely, and be well.