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Oops, Better Call Maaco.........
Last night, I had myself a "fender Bender". Actually, as I was coming out of the bank, an elderly gentleman backed into my new minivan. His vehicle didn't do much in the way of damage to my vehicle (small scratch on rear quarter). I approached his drivers side door and asked him what happened. He didn't roll down his window or even look at me for about a minute or so. When he did, I asked him if he was alright and if he knew what he did. He appeared to me to not to be aware of what happened. He was not very communicative at all. He just stared at his steering wheel for a few minutes. I finally asked him if we could exchange drivers license numbers, insurance certificates, names, phone numbers and addresses. Once I realized he didn't know where he was or what he did, I called the police right way. After an hour with the police filling out their report, I left.
My major bitch with this situation is, That poor old f**k is way too f**kin' old to be out driving on the road. I saw him produce his license from his wallet. It was a f**kin' stone tablet with his birth date chiseled in!!! Old "WRINKLED FORESKIN" was 90 freakin' years old. I felt sorry for him.
Why wasn't his family driving him to wherever he had to go? I think he's more than earned that privilege. I drive my father-in-law, any freak in' place he wants me to (he's 86 y/o and no longer licensed to drive). Someday, I hope someone will step up and drive my old, sorry ass places because I'll no longer be driving.
Any WN members have similar occurrences or family members in similar situations?
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| November 8, 2006, 09:04 |
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Re: Oops, Better Call Maaco.........
I've seen it happen in an ex-boyfriend's family, that a senior family member had to have his car taken away...it was a sad and difficult thing for his family to do. But thankfully for him, and the others he may have harmed with his driving, he had a family that cared enough to step in and do something about his driving.
It must be just horrible for a senior to loose a huge part of their independance, to have to face yet another huge reminder of the devastion of aging.
What's worse, is the drivers out there, that either don't have the family to step in for them, or have a family that doesn't care enough to make sure their senior members are well taken care of and looked out for.
I'm not even sure of the laws in my state on this, but I do know that some states do have laws that require seniors after a certain age, must prove their driving competency often befor their license can be renewed.
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| November 8, 2006, 10:08 |
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Re: Oops, Better Call Maaco.........
Boy, is this a touchy subject!!! Been there...done that!!! both personally and professionally.
Seniors have their rights, they know it, and they are stubborn about their independence. With 76 million more coming, it will only get worse with time.
The sad fact of life is that typically families are powerless unless and until the senior understands and accepts that the time has come, or there has been a tragedy that forces the issue, or a government or medical practitioner is forced to take action.
No easy solution for this one. 
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| November 8, 2006, 10:59 |
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Re: Oops, Better Call Maaco.........
When I think of my own dear parents...I remember a time when I was young, and wanted to be as far away and independent from them as possible, now that I see them slowly losing their own Independence...I want them as close to me as possible.
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| November 8, 2006, 11:07 |
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NRG4U
63 / male
Beaver City, Nebraska, US
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Re: Oops, Better Call Maaco.........
I'm with ya there chazzy, when I was younger, I couldn't wait to be on my own, (the whole reason I've been on my own since I was 17) I was rebellious, reckless. I wanted to be able to go where I wanted, when I wanted, do what I wanted. Now that I'm older, I try to be there as much as time allows for my parents. I'm fairly ashamed of how I was to them then, considering how good they were to me. Which brings me to the topic at hand. my dad is 81, mom is 73. Both of their minds & eyes are still sharp, & they have no trouble driving. But I also know the day will come when I will have to make some decisions for them that will be very unpopular. I really wish my older brother was closer, he should be doing the decision making.But since he is in Texas & my sister doesn't give a shit, it will be me. I am not looking forward to this day, but know it's coming. 
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| November 10, 2006, 00:03 |
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