NF Essay 2: A Father's Ways

A Father’s Ways

My father serves as one of my greatest role models and mentors. He is a venerable doctor and businessman. He can be a bit of a jerk when he teaches though. Once you get pass that, you can really learn something from him.

For me, driving is the ultimate personal “coming of age” activity. One day, you’re confined to the house, and the next you’re free, driving around town wherever you desire. I wanted to drive so that my parents wouldn’t be restricted by me and I wouldn’t be restricted by them. It’s the perfect trade…except my dad would be my teacher. I foresaw problems at every turn, but I could not turn down this opportunity.

Eventually, my dad decided it was time for me to get on the highway. This was a huge sign of trust. The day I chose was fantastic. A cold front had just blown through, so the weather outside felt cool and pleasant. The sky bled a prefect light blue like the Caribbean Sea. The clouds in the sky looked like cotton, pure white and fluffy. The black asphalt swept under me as I drove down the road toward I-75. The lanes were fairly open since it was a Sunday morning. Everything stayed that way for the short drive to the entrance ramp. I turn onto the ramp going an easy 40 mph, thinking, Alright I’m about to get onto the high-

            “SLOW DOWN! YOU SHOULDN’T BE GOING SO FAST!”

            Of course that was the moment my dad decided to shout in my face.
            As I gradually accelerated to a stable 70 mph, I moved into the center lane. Naturally, being my first time, I was shaking like crazy. I know I hadn’t drank any coffee or Coke that morning, but it felt like I had ten gallons worth with all the adrenaline that was pumping into my system. It took a while to get settled. Once I did, I started enjoying the scenery. As we drove southbound, we passed through large open prairies, bright green forest, and the occasional billboard sign. And of course, traffic problems seemed to be nonexistent on this pleasant Sunday morning. The clouds were floating across the sky, like rabbits jump-

            “USE RIGHT LANE! ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU ARE FIRST TIME DRIVER!”

            Why did he feel that it was his prerogative to yell at me about something every time I relaxed and getting comfortable? It just tenses me up.

            “Dad, this isn’t exactly my first time driving. I think I can handle the middle lane,” I said as my hands started shaking again.

            “MOVE TO RIGHT LANE NOW!” Guess who obeyed? Me.

            A few minutes later, I’m relaxed again. A few trucks were on the road; not surprising since this was the highway. There’s one stretching for what seemed like forever in front of me, so I moved to the center lane in case something catastrophic decided to happen. I was admiring the cattle grazing near the long paths of worn asphalt when a left-hand curve started coming up. I smoothly turned into the curve when of course:

            “DON’T OVER TAKE ON A TURN! SLOW DOWN!”

            “Dad, I’m maintaining speed; I’m NOT going to even attempt to pass that huge truck. You’re just making me MORE nervous! Please stop shouting directions.”

That day concluded with a perfect parking job in our garage and simple “good job.”

Looking back on the day though, I see what seemingly trivial things then have become my best driving habits. My father’s harsh critic brought me from a weak, shaky driver to a confident, well trained one. Soon, I will be driving alone, and I am always thankful of what my father has done for me, regardless of how cold it may seem in the moment.