Mixed Emotions for Michael Rock After His Daughter Gets Her Driver’s License

She got her driver's license yesterday. Just like she always talked about.

After being one of the most popular topics of conversation for months at my house, the talking was over, and it was actually license day. She had heard stories about kids failing their test, but I reassured her that she was fine, boosting her confidence by reminding her how much she's improved her driving skills since she first started last summer.

It was just after 7 a.m. when Martin's Driving School picked her up at our home. She, along with two students from Dartmouth High, traveled to the Registry of Motor Vehicles in New Bedford. They each got a turn taking a practice road test with the instructor before the real deal at 9 a.m.

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I told her to text me as soon as she was finished with the test. She passed. I could actually see the relief in the letters of her text. She got it, and a new stage of life would suddenly begin for her – and for us.

As her dad, I feel so many mixed emotions. Her first solo trip was just a few miles into town for an appointment. I asked her to text me when she got there and text me when she was leaving.

My wife chided me.

"You're not going to do this to her every time she leaves, right?" she said.

I guess not, but I just thought of THIS little person pictured below. I mean, how can she possibly be driving already?

Parents who have previously been through this are all assuring me that I will love this new development in the household. Need to pick up our son, Matthew, at practice? No problem. Reagan can do it. Forgot milk on the way home? Reagan. Hungry for a steak and cheese sub? Reagan.

I'm reminded that we eventually adapt to new life changes. That little girl pictured above was heading off to her first day of pre-school. I remember it vividly. How in the world would she get through her whole day alone? We wouldn't be there to help her get through the most basic of things. That's exactly why she (and we) needed her to go to pre-school. I suspect we are entering a similar adjustment.

Someday, I'll be as comfortable with her driving as I am with her now going to school each day. It will eventually become the norm.

Until it does, I'll be quietly asking her to text me when she arrives and leaves.

Don't tell my wife.