I don't take anything for granted....

I had to take a driving test today. It's a requirement for anyone who has cognitive impairment of any kind. I was nervous and worried and had a hard time sleeping last night. I have been really careful when I drive and feel very comfortable on the road. I only drive places I've been before. I never drive at night. I don't use navigation anymore (it confuses me). I drive slowly and I pay very close attention to everything that's going on around me. 

I know everything happens for a reason and that God only gives you problems that we can handle. I've lived my life that way for many years. So I felt hopeful, but I was also prepared to lose my license. That's not what I wanted,  but I knew I would be OK if it happened. I am lucky enough to have many Uber and Lyft drivers in our area, as well as amazing friends and family who would be happy to help me out.

I pray every night and last night I asked God to protect me and to help me remain calm as I drove with a total stranger in my car the following morning. I prayed for serenity and a clear head without confusion.

My prayers came true! Not only did I pass the test, I also found out my eye sight has improved and I don't need glasses or contacts anymore in order to drive. I knew my eye sight had improved but had no idea I could pass the test without my glasses. Pretty sweet all the way around💜

I'm happy. Very happy actually!! I also realize that these stressful situations take a lot out of me. I was able to attend my Alzheimer's Assoc Support Group after the test and was happy to share the news with my group. Most of whom don't drive but who know how precious the privilege is, and how hard it is to lose it. Driving home I was losing steam and when I walked in the house I immediately took a nap. I guess that's to be expected and I was thankful that I was able to unplug for an hour.

I'm feeling better now and am about to have dinner. The Warrior game is on and that's stressing me out a little bit because I don't want them to lose. Silly I know, but I get anxious when my teams are behind, no matter what the sport is. They are a great team and Steph Curry is a good man, and a great father. And he treated me well when I met him a few years ago!

So for the next few months I will cherish every moment alone in my car. I will cherish the freedom to go where I want, when I want. I will be mindful of my surroundings and not become distracted by my phone.

Driving is a gift, its a privilege, it allows me to go shopping alone and to drive with my grandsons. Without a car everything I need to do would have to be thought out and planned in advance. I don't like that, I like to grab my purse and go to Starbucks or to lunch and not have to worry about how I'm going to get there.

So today I am thankful and I am grateful for what I do have, not worrying about what I don't have I do have Younger Onset Alzheimer's, but I'm doing the best I can not to let it get me down! 

Thank you for your prayers and support, and I'll see you on the road