Knocked for Six!
Sunday, 22 December 2024
| John Kidson
It was with heavy heart, depressed spirit and general melancholy that I shared some personal news. Back then I took some comfort knowing that, at the time, 'Trump is not (yet) US President, and no, Australia is not at war. And as far as I'm aware no-one I know is suffering from a terminal illness!' My news seemed just so trivial I could almost dismiss it. Almost - but not quite! You see, I have just been told that I should not drive any more. This morning I failed a driving test. A brand-new experience for me! First time - and there's no bank from which I can draw credit to apply to future driving experiences! After 60+ years I now have only memories.
Just as well the Socceroos scored three (3!) goals when they did - a welcome bright spot in a dull week. But, win or lose these current qualifiers, I can't drive! Most people who know me would also be aware that I've never really enjoyed driving for itself. It's always been the convenience of getting from A to B that's been the attraction – but now? When I am not allowed to drive it's different. I have to cope with loss of independence. It's like a bird with wings removed – no use telling the bird it can still walk. It can't even glide! When my grandfather had to give up driving, he adopted his Scottish philosophy ‘comes to'ot’ and passed his car to me (his eldest grandchild). I wasn't conscious of driving for him – I just took to the convenience like a duck to water. Fairly thoughtlessly at 17+, dismissing parental concerns and worries, I eagerly embraced newfound teenage independence as it beckoned me: an A'40 with an opening roof. Wow! South coast and interstate camping trips and holidays became second nature. Sure, I had some 'bingles' and a few fines, but I was generally ok. But now I'm high and dry, with no car, no bird (not even a wing) to pass on. At least some of my grandkids are well into, or at least are on the cusp of, of driving.
But I digress - an avoidance strategy. If I write a little about it, I may delay the pain, at least the pain of facing this new restriction (another one to chalk up to 'seniority'!). Now having written this I feel a little better. What's changed? I've passed on some knowledge, so it's 'out there'. It never was a big dark secret but 'talking' about it has helped. Besides, my beloved has to cope with all this and her own health issues as well. Chris now has a new permanent position as personal chauffeur! Her medical good news of today far outweighs my - as I said - trivial non-driving assessment. I think I'm probably more distressed by Trump's political victory than by my personal loss!
I certainly trust in the One who brought the Chaldeans into play, preserved David's kingship and accomplishes his purposes. Despite my loss of independence or Trump's upcoming 'Free World leadership', I reckon I want to stay with the Everlasting Arms.
John Kidson is a frequent contributor to Engage.Mail formerly served as a youth worker in Sydney, and as a uni chaplain and parish minister in Grafton Anglican Diocese.
Image credit: Man in white pants and blue baseball mitt holding baseball bat during daytime by Alfred Kenneally at Unsplash.