I know the sixteen year old kid who was flying down the street past my house, well over the speed limit. When he came back by the second time driving close to the speed of sound, I was able to wave him down. Here’s what I said …
“Mike, (I’ve changed the name to protect him from his momma who may read this blog) I know you just got your license and a new truck, but man, you were flying down my street way too fast. Do you see that house back over there?” I said, pointing my finger over across the street as he nodded his head that he understood. “That’s where the Darter’s live and they have four boys that walk over to my house regularly. And this house across the street has three children who are always outside playing.” I continued pointing out houses to him including my own. “Now that’s at least 14 kids I’ve just pointed out to you. I like all these kids, or at least most of them, and I don’t want to have to do a funeral for any of them just because you were driving too fast. Make sense?” I asked him. Again he nodded his head as if he understood and even mumbled a, “Yes Sir!” once. “Now, if you just have to go driving down the street at 100 miles an hour, do it down someone else’s street and not down mine anymore, okay?” I could tell he understood what I was trying to tell him.
I smiled, patted him on the arm, and told him to have a good day. He drove off very slowly. I felt pride in my little speech as I walked back towards my house. Then it hit me, and all my pride rushed from my body! I had just become the same “old grouch on the block” that I swore I’d never be back when I was a sixteen year old driver.
I’m feeling really old and uncool today. 
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 22 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
Some things are worth “getting old” about. The safety of children, including the young driver, would be one of those things. Being a fellow “old guy” I’m proud of you and would have wanted you to do the same with either of my children … and then tell me about it so I could take away the keys!
No, I think you can still be a cool person who’s just looking out for the safety of his block. After all it’s not like you told him to slow down all the time when he’s driving, just on your street!
Glad you guys made it home safe from the game!
Gee Trey, no wonder “Mike has been speeding down MY street now!” JK…
Isn’t amazing how our perspective changes when we become parents? It’s not uncool..It’s responsibility!
Trey be uncool? It will never happen!
‘cept for one family, everyone on my street is old, so inform Mike that he doesn’t want to live the rest of his life carring the guilt of running one of us over either. we don’t move so fast anymore.
plus all that bone breaking… its an awful sound, yuck
My father always made of point of slowing down once we entered our neighborhood. Later, when I was driving I realized I did the same thing, even though I like to go pretty fast on the highway. I even notice that I go slow in other neighborhoods, where it’s clear that there are going to be kids playing outside. And I’m 26 and single. I don’t know whether to thank or curse my father for setting that example.
(Yeah, I know, the “right” answer is obvious.)
Note to self: Stay away from the 800 block.. (might get beat with cane)
Zach
A classmate of mine who live around the corner had a little brother killed on our street only a few houses down. THe poor driver wasn’t even speeding according to numerous witnesses. The kid just darted out from between parked cars. He was on his knees on a skateboard.
Because of that (I was 13 at the time) I NEVER speed in a residential neighborhood. Once I was driving with my girlfriend (now wife) and I suddenly slammed on the brakes. Just before she could ask what was up a kid ran in front of my now stopped car. I never realized until that day that I watch under cars as I approach for little feet that maybe running across the street. Interesting how somethings stick with us even though we may not notice.
P.S. I think its cute you said “getting” old as if its just happening. Now go take a nap while us kids go out and play.
Love the video – might have to copy your “speech” for our road. And I am only 25 + a few years.
Okay, you guys are making me feel better. So I’m not getting old, maybe I’m just getting more mature and responsible. (Don’t tell Lea about the “Mature & Responsible” stuff! Not sure her heart could take the laughter.)
Sharla … three is how I act at 3 in the morning.
I’m 32 and still a bit miffed about how, when I was 16, the grown brother of a friend told me to slow down when I was dropping off his brother.
He rode the school bus home for weeks after that.
As I was walking through the crosswalk at the local Wal-Mart yesterday, a gentleman (?) in a truck just kept easing through and I was thinking that he was going to hit someone so I ever so politely (NOT) asked through his open window) if he had ever heard that pedestrians have the right of way. I then spent the rest of the day wondering if I will sit by that guy in church or something! Being new to town, I don’t really know who I’m talking to so maybe I better start being a little sweeter!
oh my, that video is hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dpcdd: love your p.s.
that girl: i hear you. i’m pretty new to town and take my word, everyone here is related to many other people.
its a great town though!!!
Ha ha haha hahhahahahahahahahaha! My little baby brother is growing old, woops up.
mm
it’s okay trey (patting you on the shoulder) i’m only 27 (and that’s what? half your age. . .ha ha ha!!!) and i already feel this way. . i think you get “old” as soon as you become a parent, you become the protector not the protected. you can remain proud of your little speech. . . you probably actually did save more than one life today even if you lost your pride in the process
My grandma said she never felt old until her children became senior citizens
So, don’t sweat it.
Love the “mature and responsible” explanation – ha! I’ll have to remember that one.
For reasons you understand, I think what you did was very important.
. . . and what about that dern loud music!?!
Congrats, Trey, you’re now the third Old Grouch in the balcony with Statler and Waldorf from the Muppett Show! At least we know what to get you for your next birthday…high waisted pants, suspenders and a walker
Love ya! JoAnn
Getting old is a real pain, isn’t it?