I’ve called this Part 1 because I’m sure there will be other conversations around this topic.

At this point Jim’s driving is still good. When we go places together, he drives which gives me a chance to observe and evaluate his driving ability. I use the Driver’s Self Assessment Tool from AAA  to make sure I’m paying attention to what’s important to keep him safe along with everyone else on the road.

I took a morning off from work to drive Jim to the eye doctor. The appointment passed without incident and as I was dropping Jim off at the house he thanked me for taking the time because he wouldn’t have been able to drive home himself.

I agreed and said it was a double whammy since we were scheduled for the first appointment of the day. We had to be there before the sun rose and he couldn’t drive in the dark.

Now, Jim is used to looking after everyone else. So of course he perked right up and tried to argue with me.

He was sure he could drive in the dark. It took a while before he realized he hadn’t driven in the dark for over a year. Honestly, I still don’t think he was convinced about his lack of night vision but I let it slide.

He brought the subject up again over dinner. He acknowledged that he wasn’t driving as well as he’d done in the past but that he still felt comfortable behind the wheel.

I took advantage of the open topic and suggested that we’d have to start preparing for a time when he wouldn’t be able to drive anymore. He looked dejected but he not surprised.

All in all, the conversation went better than I’d hoped. We’re still months away from having to take away his car keys but at least the seeds have been planted.