Story time

This weekend marked the 24 year anniversary of my dads death. If he or I crossed your mind this weekend, this is probably why.

On Friday I felt so anxious. I chalked it up to a late night with friends the previous night and not getting enough sleep. I happened to glance at the calendar after work to then see that Saturday was a death anniversary. Oh…. There it is…. Explains the weirdness of the day, the stomach upset and chest pains for the entire week.

I got through the day Saturday just fine. I was wanting to do a cemetery visit but it’s just too wet yet, so I adjusted my sails. My weekend was good and I feel amazing tonight.

I could tell you stories for days about my dad. Good thing as I might need blog material as our walk home together continues! I know that many of my readers could also tell stories for days. It’s just who he was.

On todays story time, I am taken back to the winter of 1987/1988. I am learning to drive!!! And I am not good at it!!!! Never haven driven anything but a bicycle…. A car was a challenge for me.

After Ivy granted me my learners permit, Victor says – hell no, you won’t be driving with anyone anywhere until you pass my test.

Oh….. good….. sounds like a time coming ahead.

Get ready readers…… for driver training by Victor.

It’s night. Winter. Dark. He says we are going on his road test. I’m in the drivers seat, he’s in the passenger seat, my boyfriend is in the backseat.

Ok

First stop is the Tisdale Hotel for a case of beer, Labatts Lite, bottles. He gets in the car and says “these are not for you”. Hilarious Victor….. At 15 in the car with my dad I would have assumed those were not for me. Also – I’m kinda thankful to know this isn’t a drunk driving test 😂

We head out of town on the highway south, then we hit the backroads. He grew up here so he knows every one. We do curves and washboard and ice and snow and gravel. He says when to stop and when to go, where to turn. It’s dark and I don’t know the roads, I’m nervous and I cry a few times. He isn’t phased by my tears. He drinks his beers and throws his bottles out the window and guides me on my training for hours.

And…. I start to forget about all the things that worry me about driving and I just drive. This is fun!! Actually so fun!!

He says – ok we can go home now. He does not tell me how to get home, but somehow I figure it out.

Good job girl, you passed my test! Now you can drive my vehicles.

But….. seems he left a bottle under his seat.

And my mom found it when she started on her drive to work the next morning.

So….. I wouldn’t be driving her car anytime soon because she does not believe in drinking and driving even if I wasn’t “doing it”. And my dad needs to learn to grow up.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

It’s a fun memory for me for sure.

Did he leave the beer under the seat just to get my moms dander up? Yes I am sure he most definitely did. Because he was Victor, unbelievable and definitely unforgettable ❤️

Thanks for the driving lessons Dad!