"JohnnyWasASchoolBoy" (JohnnyWasASchoolBoy)
06/12/2015 at 17:34 • Filed to: None
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"JohnnyWasASchoolBoy" (JohnnyWasASchoolBoy)
06/12/2015 at 17:34 • Filed to: None | 9
| 6 |
Actually this isn’t even about the metric system, properly placing the letter U in a word, using an S instead of a wrongly placed Z, or even pronouncing the Z properly - we pronounce it as “blort”.
No, this is about a milestone that my son and I just shared last night.
My son just turned 14 years old. Here in Alberta that means he can get a Learner’s Permit and begin to learn how to drive a 1900 kg (4200 lb), full-size truck. Yeah. 14 years old. On the road. In a big truck.
Actually here in Alberta, as long as they’re supervised by a licensed driver over the age of 18, a 14-year-old with a Learner’s Permit can drive ANYTHING that isn’t a commercial vehicle, that doesn’t require an airbrake endorsement, and isn’t a motorcycle. That means my son could drive his Grandpa’s large motorhome, down the QE2 highway, while Grandpa naps in the passenger seat. Are you afraid yet?
Anyway, back to the point. Yesterday my wife took the boy to the AMA Registries to write his Learner’s exam and he passed with flying colours. So last night after supper we drove down to the fairgrounds. We talked about responsibilities. We drew pictures of corners and efficient lines. We talked about the need for early braking and looking where you want to go.
I asked him if he was ready to give it a go. He gulped, nodded, and said yes. So, we got back into the truck; him in an unfamiliar seat, adjusted the controls, seating position, and mirrors, and then...
This happened:
So proud of my boy. He did great.
And now I feel old. Some milestones are better than others.
Funktheduck
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
06/12/2015 at 17:46 |
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Congrats. I started driving at 14. First go was in my truck (‘79 F150) followed by a slew of hot rods
Luc - The Acadian Oppo
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
06/12/2015 at 17:47 |
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I know it’s crazy isn’t it? I’m in Alberta now but I grew up in New-Brunswick. In New-Brunswick you could not get behind the wheel of anything other than a moped until the day you were 16. Here at 14 they drive lifted F350 duallies. Nonsense I say.
G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
06/12/2015 at 17:57 |
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Wow. Here in Ontario, it’s 16. Epic!
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JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
> Funktheduck
06/12/2015 at 19:02 |
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My buddy and I are thinking of getting an old Volkswagen and helping the boy build something like this with it. He’s a surfer/skateboarder/climber... this fits his personality.
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Funktheduck
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
06/12/2015 at 20:34 |
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Nice. I still have my truck 14 years later. My stepdad and I did a lot of the work ourselves. I’ll never get rid of it.
The Compromiser
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
06/13/2015 at 07:48 |
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As a father I am dreading, looking forward to this.
if you will excuse me there is some damn pollen in the air making my eyes leaky. Time for bear hugs.