BOB

I have a BOB now.  My own home-grown BOB. 

Lucky me!!
😀 
BOB = Bewust Onbeschonken Bestuurder

What this means is a designated driver (BOB) who will not drink alcohol and will drive his companions back home safely after a party! 

I love this concept in the Netherlands -  a responsible and safe act for self and for others - demonstrating the maturity of a society.

Bob jij of Bob ik?   Are you the Bob today or me?

In principle, this question is sorted out before you leave for a party.

It was a standard question in our household as we went out for a visit to any friend's place. 

For friends who served good single malts, I was the Bob (I nodded yes even before the question was asked)

For good-red-wine-serving friends, A-senior did not have a choice. Bob, he was.

Back to the present,  A-junior is a certified BOB now!

A few days back A-junior got his driver's license. 

Since then, I have been asking him to go out and drive A-senior's car. 

He was a bit hesitant for multiple reasons.

......yesterday I took him out and we did a couple of rounds to get the feel of the car in a parking lot.

Sorted.

 .....and then yesterday evening the proud mom got to experience something that made her super proud, grateful, and happy.

Let me start from the start.

The process of getting a driver's license in the Netherlands is a very rigorous one- both the written and practical exams are very elaborate and strict. 

So the mom knows that the license he has in his hands is something to trust - no doubt about that.

But being the mother in the passenger seat for the first time while the controls were in his hands were...ummm..... I mean....in the beginning a bit......what can I say...

😀

Haha, don't get me wrong. 

I have full confidence in him - especially the way he has grown up in the last 3 years.  

I think it was more the 'disbelief' as a mom. 

How can this guy who was a tiny thing only a few days (read years) back say, 'Mom, I will be the BOB today, let me drive you back home'.

I still remember him crawling on the ground with one knee bent inward...

I still remember him trying to stand up ...

I still remember his first run...

I still remember his shaky cycling when the supporting wheels were removed ....

...and now offering to be the BOB?

Where did the years fly?

We were visiting a friend yesterday, when this offer came.

...in my mind I said ...."Oooooommmmmmm" a couple of times and went for my first glass.

The wine was super.  

The hosts are my comfort zone. 

It was a chill Saturday evening.

The food was awesome.

My dear host was ready to refill.

I had a new-BOB.

He nodded, with confidence.

Ok, once more I did a more focused "Oooooommmmmm" and went for my second glass.

A-junior confidently drove me back home. My own home-grown BOB 💕

As I sat in the passenger seat and saw the lights on the road whiz by,  I reflected on this journey called Life.

...Happiness comes in so many different packages.

The journey continues....

I am sure A-senior is also smiling and raising a toast.

..To the new BOB...........Cheers!!