And the verdict is in...

...Papa can still drive, according to a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. I am not sure if I mentioned it in previous entries but the family has had some concerns regarding Papa's driving abilities. As time has gone on, we have noticed that he weaves and does not stay in his lane. He is not consistent with his speed nor does he leave enough room between cars when he stops at lights. This is the reason that I drive him almost everywhere. And when he does whine and complain that he wants to drive and I give in and let him, well, let's just say that I am hanging on to the seat because it is so scary!

So, the reason that he was taking this test is because during his last visit to his geriatrics specialist my step-mother told her that Papa had been in 2 accidents recently. They were minor ones but they happened pretty close together. So she said it would be best to take a test to determine what we should do. Even though Papa agreed, he was determined to pass the test and show everyone that he still belonged on the road.

The day came and everyone in the house was waiting around dying to know what the outcome was going to be. We all believe that his driving privileges should be taken away. It may sound harsh but we think it is what is best for him--and for society! Thank goodness for cell phones and texting because I don't think I would have been able to wait until they got back to find out what was decided! My step-mother was letting me know each process through texting and so far it seemed like he would not be able to pass. He took a vision test and it was determined that he has trouble seeing at night. The lines on the road need to be freshly painted and bright otherwise he has a hard time seeing them, which explains the weaving. Then he took a mini mental exam which he did okay on. The next test was a computer exam which had several tasks for him to complete, such as differentiating between cars and SUV's. Apparently, he failed it miserably and the screen even showed the words "Very High Risk." Then, it was on to a brake reaction test and he scored the minimum score required. So, at this point, I thought for sure he was going to fail and he wouldn't be able to drive. The last part of the exam, of course, the actual driving. My step-mother says they were out for about and hour driving and he drove around the town, through construction and everything. He determined that Papa was still a decent driver and could still drive. WHAT??!? I guess in my heart of hearts I wasn't surprised. I knew he would somehow pass and still be able to drive. So he drove on the way back and my step-mom said that the whole time she was on edge because he was just not staying in his lane! I don't know what this doctor was thinking but whatever. Papa has to go back every 2 months to get evaluated. What he should have done was take him onto the highway. That's where his driving and weaving get really scary! We'll be sure to mention that next time.

Anyhow, other than that, nothing out of the ordinary has happened. I'm just trudging along day by day. Next week, I will be traveling to Atlanta for my cousin Diane's wedding shower and I am really looking forward to it. It should be a lot of fun. :)

See ya!!