I recently bought my son a car. I was pleasantly surprised by how moved he was throughout the entire process. I think he grew up a lot that day and I sensed a deep appreciation and even disbelief — An appreciation for how blessed he is, and total disbelief that he has his own set of wheels. I always tell him to inform me in which direction he plans to drive, so that I can head in the opposite direction!
I don’t particularly like the car buying process, though negotiation is certainly part of my skill set, that was honed on the streets and markets of India. It’s funny how sometimes we make a purchase because it feels right — the product, the timing, the salesperson, the store. Buying products and services is certainly not a linear process; it is more like a pinball machine where the ball rolls on chance and nuances.
I worry about my son driving. I invested in hours upon hours of driving lessons, plenty of practice, and the safest car money could buy (within my means). It would be a lot easier to keep him at home, but he has to get on with his life. Our children make us vulnerable and weak. I must trust him to make good choices and pray to my good God above to protect him.
He did ask me what I would do when he went off to college.
I told him that there would be a lot of tears and alcohol involved in my healing process…
About Hemant Rustogi