As I sipped my coffee with a friend, we dove into our tales of parenting challenges, particularly the relentless battle with children who refuse to nap. She shared how she often had to buckle her son into his car seat and take a drive just to get him to sleep, allowing her a few precious moments of peace. I smiled, fully understanding the struggle, but the reality is, I’ve never had that luxury.
You see, I’m a mom who can’t drive. Thanks to my poor eyesight, getting a driver’s license was never in the cards for me. Growing up, this limitation didn’t faze me much. I relied on friends for rides, walked everywhere, and embraced as much independence as my small California town could offer. When I moved to Portland, Oregon for college, the excellent public transit system meant I could navigate the city without ever feeling left out.
However, the real challenge hit home when I became a parent. If my kids have a doctor’s appointment and the rain is pouring down (which, let’s be real, is a common occurrence in the Pacific Northwest), I have to bundle them in jackets, rainboots, and grab an umbrella for our trek. We’re not just strolling to the car; we’re hiking nearly a mile to my ob-gyn.
And if we run out of essentials like milk or toilet paper? Well, it’s out into the elements we go, regardless of the weather. While other kids might jump for joy at the idea of a fun walk, mine don’t have a say in the matter, and that sometimes makes me feel guilty. I know it’s silly to feel that way since it’s beyond my control, but as a mom, all I want is the best for my kids. And let’s face it, a windy, chilly walk to run errands when we’re already exhausted isn’t usually at the top of the “best” list.
But instead of wallowing in my circumstances (which I do on occasion), I try to focus on the silver linings. My children have mastered safety rules like looking both ways before crossing the street and waiting for the signal at intersections. They’re learning the ropes of public transit at a young age, ensuring they’ll be self-sufficient and confident as they grow. Plus, they get to meet all sorts of interesting people as we navigate our urban lives. They’re discovering that just because they can’t do what most others can, it doesn’t mean they have to lead a dull life; it simply means we find our own path.
Most days, I dream about simply packing the kids into a car, blasting the radio, and going for a joyride. I long for the ability to circle the block a few times until they drift off to sleep in the backseat, just like my friend does. But alas, that’s not my reality. This is our life, and thankfully, it’s all they know about me. They’ll grow up to be self-reliant, just as I did, and that’s a lesson I’m proud to impart.
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In summary, being a mom without the ability to drive presents its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to getting kids to appointments or running errands. Despite the difficulties, I strive to teach my children resilience, independence, and that life can be fulfilling even when it doesn’t follow the conventional path.