Driving In The Blind at 92

These are the facts about the unrelenting determination of our dad, Frank Mastel. He was a man of great determination when wanting to get things accomplished his way. The hardest thing for Dad to accept was not being able to drive. He just didn’t seem to make the connection between having to actually be able to see (with advanced macular degeneration) and the enjoyment of driving his Gator despite his condition.

He seemed to be obsessed with renewing his drivers license after years of an expired license that was no longer legal for his collection of Big Boy Toys including Gators, golf carts, and other 4 wheel contraptions. Dad even attempted back roads into Edgeley, but unfortunately the route took him past a law enforcement officer in our area who had already reproved Dad about driving on the road, much to Dad's disapproval.

Finally, when joining Mom at the nursing home we were relieved, thinking he would finally quit badgering the family about getting his driver’s license. That, however, was not a discouragement to him.

During a visit from his daughters Donna and Maggi,  Dad thought he had enlisted some new sympathizers, so he immediate put them to the test convincing them to drive him to the DOT to get his drivers license. Hoping that this would certainly end his legal license asparations, they reluctantly agree.

As Dad walked up to the counter with his cane with Donna who displayed a bit of unconcealed apprehension along with Maggi had taken Dad’s place in a long line of what looked to be first-time drivers with obvious expressions of “WOW, I hope I don’t ever meet that old man on the road.”

The room became unusually quiet while the wide eyed, waiting drivers suddenly focused their attention on the scene unfolding with Dad. The lady at the counter asked, "What can I do for you?" To which Dad replied, “ I want to get my drivers license renewed”. When asked, "Well did you study?" Dad responded, “Well, I can’t see!”

Without breaking stride and nodding assurance to Donna and Maggi, a compassionate, understanding agent routinely took his address, picture and gave him his State ID card lacking the driving authorization status. He quietly thanked her as he hobbled away with his cane with a feeling of satisfaction and victory.

The ride home seemed a little solemn with a silent confirmation that all were resigned to the outcome  of his persistant demand. The licensing subject was never brought up again. That was the persistence and determination of our dad – always a bit of a rebel, for which we loved him just the same.

These are the facts of the case, they cannot be disputed.