on what we've lost

another afternoon tea with my Nanny

They don’t let me drive anymore you know.

I know Nanny.

They took my license away. They don’t want me driving.

Do you want to drive?

My almost ninety two year old Nanny bit her lip.

No, I don’t suppose that I do. I don’t really have far to go. When I want to, someone drives me.

Do you remember the last time you drove to town?

Oh yes, I certainly do. Everyone was in such a hurry. Passing where they shouldn’t. I was scared stiff.

Yeah. We don’t tend to react well or make very good decisions when we’re scared, do we.

I suppose not.

We paused a moment.

When I think about it, I don’t really want to drive anymore.

You used to go blasting all over the lakes and trails on the back of the Skidoo with Granddad. It’s been a while since you did that?

We had some time on that thing. It’s been over thirty years since I’ve been on the back of a skidoo. It catches up quick with ya Jimmy. Old age. One moment, you’re young, the next, you’re old. It catches up quick. The next thing you know you can’t do the thin…