Keep it Between the Lines
My girls are always asking me to tell them stories about Papa, and I usually feel at a loss to what to tell them, for the same reason I haven't put many stories up here; there are so many, I just don't know where to begin. Now though, as Sam is 15 and has her learners license, I can't help but think of my first trip back to BC after getting my learners.
Dad picked me up at the Dawson Creek Grey Hound as usual, first thing I wanted was the car keys..... Well Dad being Dad, looked me square in the eyes and said, " you're in BC now, 15 isn't old enough to drive." Well I argued and I begged and I pleaded, but there was no way Dad was giving me the car keys. I finally gave in and got in the car; it was fairly early in the morning, so Dad said, "well let's go get some breakfast before we head into Chetwynd." After stopping for eggs and toast we headed out to the car again, my head down, hands In pockets, so disappointed that Dad wasn't letting me drive. Just as I was getting in the passenger side, Dad called me over to look at something, when I got around to his side of the car he handed me a set of keys and said, "here this set's yours." I couldn't believe it; I was so excited, that is until driving back to Chetwynd we got to East Pine. It was wintertime but the roads were good... but there was a hairpin corner of that I just wasn't sure I wanted to drive through, I actually asked Dad if we could trade let him drive up the hill and then switch again at the top and I'd finished driving home. After he said no, I think that he probably had the best laugh that he had in a long time. Well I survived East Pine, with Dad talking to me the whole way telling me just to stay calm and take it easy. Once we made it to the top of the hill he put on one of his favorite songs, " Keep it Between the Lines" by Ricky Van Shelton. I think by the time we made it into Chetwynd we were both in tears after listening to the song. We got into town and stopped at the coffee shop, and as we were getting out of the car, Dad looked at me and just said, "remember Kiddo, Just take your time, and keep it between the lines."
I think back on that and it's so hard to believe that was a good 26 years ago; now watching my 15 year old learning how to drive. Papa would be so proud of how his girl's doing, and I know when it's Tori turn Papa would be just as proud of her. In fact I think Papa would kalready be pretty proud after Tori's experience on the ride on lawn mower at Auntie Eileen's
Miss you forever Dad <3