By: loveshields.near
When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” — Henri Nouwen
This words motivated MarmaJ more than she allowed her self to admit.
She was indeed grateful for her amazing friends who had always been there for her. Remembering all the wonderful moments she has had with her friends brought her close to tears. With summer in view, MarmaJ was suddenly sure of the gift she was going to give her friends. My friends are wonderful, always pushing me to greatness, Marmaj thought aloud. They’ve given me so much support. This year, I want to give to give back in a big way.
This summer, she was going to give her friends the road trip they had always spoken about. And she was excited to learn how to drive, so she could drive them all for the trip. MarmaJ wanted to make it a trip to remember for them all. She was thankful for her friends and was going to show it to them. She had so many details of the trip planned. She was going to bring so many snacks, make a playlist. She was also going to customize matching shirts for them all.
It was with great joy and determination that MarmaJ registered for driving lessons. She was not only going to surprise her friends with the trip, but she was also sure they would be super impressed to know she could now drive. Every time she thought about it, she imagined the expressions on their faces when she would tell them about the trip. As hard as she tried, every time the thoughts of when she would break the news to her friends crossed her mind; no matter where she was, she’d whistle and dance, or dance and whistle, regardless of whichever she did first, the end was always an eruption of laughter and she spent some moments laughing, for MarmaJ would always remember how determined Chloe had been to teach her how to whistle, and how much hard work she had put into the lessons.
MarmaJ’s tutor made driving classes so much fun. The driving lessons also gave MarmaJ were inspiring. She found the independence and productivity learning to drive will afford her thrilling. She could drive all by herself, get more things done, and do it all faster. She could also easily drive around town rescuing stray dogs. It will also mean she could spend more time and cover more areas without stress.
One beautiful Saturday morning, MarmaJ set out for her driving class, as usual feeling so bright and positive. She was so confident and proud of herself and how far she had come with her lessons. Even her driving coach had been so proud of how fast she was learning.
While driving, MarmaJ’s cell phone rang, and though she did not reach for it, the sound distracted her for a moment. She suddenly heard her couch shouting, calling her to watch out, she looked up and saw she was few seconds away from hitting an old lady. Luckily she was able to quickly apply the brakes. She ran out of the car to meet the old woman who was in shock. MarmaJ directed her to the sidewalk, ran back to the car, pulled it to the side, and she and the driving coach asked the old lady if she was alright. She seemed a bit shaken and asked for something to drink.
Thankfully, a diner was just close by, and with the help of her coach, They helped the woman to the diner and got her iced tea to calm her down a bit. Though she hadn’t been hit, something didn’t seem right with her. It was hard for her to breathe. MarmaJ and the coach decided to take her to the hospital.
MarmaJ was dropped off at the hospital by the coach and stayed in the waiting area while doctors attended to the lady who they said was having issues with her lungs. They released her with some medications.
MarmaJ offered to order a cab for her and make sure she got home. The old lady was touched by MarmaJ’s generosity and gentleness. After MarmaJ ensured she had gotten into her apartment, she bid her farewell. The old woman thanked her and encouraged her not to give up on her driving lessons.
The woman’s name was Mrs. Patterson. They exchanged numbers, and MarmaJ told her to feel free to reach her if she needed anything.
After the incident, MarmaJ and Mrs. Patterson became friends, and MarmaJ would always call her just to check up on her to know how she was doing. On some occasions, MarmaJ would even send her some groceries and fruits. But MarmaJ didn’t get over the trauma of the incident. Her coach had tried desperately to encourage her to continue as she would soon be done with her classes. He had even told her it was a great feat that she could quickly apply the brakes. But nothing he said could get her to continue with the classes.
One day, a few weeks later, MarmaJ went on a visit to Mrs Patterson. She asked MarmaJ how her driving lessons were going. She felt pity for MarmaJ to hear she couldn’t continue with her driving lessons, and shared her own driving lessons experience with MarmaJ. She had rolled into a bus with school children which had come to an abrupt stop. She was so devastated that even though no one was hurt, she gave up on driving, until her neighbour had an emergency and she had had to get over her fear and rush her to the hospital. She encouraged MarmaJ to continue and only be careful while driving. She even offered to join her on her driving lessons to cheer her on if it would help her. MarmaJ thanked her, and went home feeling better
When MarmaJ got home, she reflected on all that Mrs Patterson told her, and she knew she had to get over her fears so she could carry on with her plans for summer. MarmaJ was able to continue her classes again. And in no time, she passed and got her driver’s license. Her coach and Mrs. Patterson were so happy and proud of her. She was so happy and was grateful to Mrs Patterson and her coach for their encouragements.
This coming summer would definitely be one to remember, filled with so many happy memories for her and her friends. She was not only mastering the art of driving, but had also made friends with her Coach and Mrs Patterson.