My Gen X Playlist: Let Her Go – Passenger

I saw a driverless taxi on the road the other day. I knew they existed, it’s the first time I saw one in action. My reaction was a mixture of surprise and wonder. It was odd seeing a bunch of empty cars driving on the streets. Wild.

My father in law could benefit from this. We think it’s getting close for him to give up driving. Too bad driverless technology isn’t universally in place yet. That would be a game changer.

We’ve suggested he use Uber as an alternative and faced two obstacles. One, him agreeing to give up driving. I don’t see this happening anytime soon. He’d sooner eat dirt. And two, teaching him how to use his phone to summon a car service. Even if he was willing to give it a try, the process of getting him from point A to B would be a painful challenge. It would be Groundhog Day, repeatedly showing him how it worked. We haven’t figured out a solution for him, yet. It’s a work in progress.

When my father got older, he eventually gave up driving. Fortunately, his short term memory issues worked in our favor because he didn’t ruminate on the fact he didn’t drive anymore. If that was ever top of mind, I think he’d stew in it and be a little pissed.

We also contained the risk that he’d grab the keys and jump into the car. This happened by chance. When my oldest niece became old enough to drive, we floated the idea that he gift her his car. My dad enthusiastically agreed. He spent an entire day washing, waxing and making the interior spotless. He was all smiles when he handed over the keys. I remember the big hug he gave her before she drove off. He cherished loving acts for the grandkids.

A few months later I was visiting and found my dad a little upset because he wondered what the hell happened to his car. It no longer was in the driveway. I reminded him of his generous gesture. That’s all he needed to hear. He softened, his anger melted and he smiled really big. I put my arm around his shoulder patted him on the back. Way to go, grandpa. Interestingly enough, we never had a conversation about the car ever again.

There would be times when he would randomly say to me,

I still can drive, you know.

I always replied the same way.

Dude, I know. But you’ve been driving the family for almost sixty years. It’s our turn to give you a lift.

I think deep down inside he understood his driving days were over. He just needed to affirm the feeling that he still could. I was happy to comply.

Accepting it’s time to give up driving is a difficult decision. I love driving, but I think I’ll be the cooperating old guy that gives up his keys willingly when the time comes. I’m sure driverless technology will be the norm by then and I’ll have no problem sitting back being a passenger and enjoying the ride.

The band name Passenger came to mind as I wrote that last line. I couldn’t think of any particular song until I searched YouTube and was reminded of Let Her Go. Good tune. The song title made me mentally loop back to my father in law. Time to let go of the car keys, my friend. It’s time to let go. We’ll keep trying.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Well you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go
And you let her go

Staring at the bottom of your glass
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
But dreams come slow and they go so fast

You see her when you close your eyes
Maybe one day you'll understand why
Everything you touch surely dies

But you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go

Staring at the ceiling in the dark
Same old empty feeling in your heart
Cause love comes slow and it goes so fast

Well you see her when you fall asleep
But never to touch and never to keep
Cause you loved her too much and you dived too deep

Well you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go
And you let her go
Ohhh, oh no
And you let her go
Ohhh, oh no
Well you let her go

Cause you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go

Cause you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go
And you let her go