These passengers have a temporary stay, something I should have explained when you welcomed each girl into your safekeeping. You seemed to have understood my worries when my precious cargo graduated from back row status to a view with a dashboard. Are they old enough? Tall enough? Is it too soon to be sitting in front?
Just like when it was time to leave that back row, the passenger seat departure will also take its rightful place on the parenting shelf of expired stages.
Perhaps you will find consolation from those who have gone before you—infant car seats and bulky boosters will welcome you. All of which had to release a child held close.
Soon, Passenger Seat, I’ll become the passenger. I’ll need your cushioned support as I look out the window in disbelief that my firstborn girl is now driving.
Oh Passenger seat, can we turn the car around? Can I shift into reverse so we can drive away together to a place where time stands still? Selfish and foolish, I know. My heart just doesn’t understand how growing up works.
The roads will open and take my daughters without me at their side for guidance. Hopefully, I’ll become the passenger in their lives in a new way, with a different type of seat and view.
So thank you, Passenger Seat, for being my silent yet stable companion through this journey. When my daughter lands that license, I will celebrate, then gently close the door to a season where we can say goodbye together.
