/UPDATE/ — An hour and a half after she left, Alice returned, safe and sound.  Well, not too sound.  She’s pissed at me, but I’ll accept that as suitable criticism.  Thanks for your concern!/

Maybe it’s me.  Perhaps I’m too controlling.  But now that Alice left our apartment to drive all alone, just to prove she can do it, I’m a nervous wreck.

Don’t get me wrong; I don’t think she is in danger.  All doctors’ visits to date cleared her from taking occupational therapy.  On the surface, Alice is back to her self-confident self, albeit with substantial speech communication difficulties.  We’re both confident her recovery will be complete, even if it takes longer than anticipated.

But this?

Earlier this afternoon (remember we’re on Pacific Time), Alice expressed impatience and feelings of boredom.  She said she wanted to drive, but I objected.  “No doctor cleared you to drive, Alice,” I said.  I then read her the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon’s (RIO) “activity after discharge” recommendation: “Do not drive.”

She didn’t want to hear it.  Two hours ago, I monitored her driving skill (or lack of same) while I sat on the passenger side.  On three successive occasions before making a turn, she failed to anticipate the correct turning lane until reaching the intersection.

But Alice is not easily dissuaded by my critique.  She said I was making her nervous!  So half an hour ago, she left in our Ford Escape in her usual bullheaded manner to visit a department store.

I hope Betsy watches out for her.

As I said earlier, perhaps I’m too controlling.  Because I’m on edge, I’ll update this website when she returns, and at that time I hope to appear foolish.

No matter how much I hate being wrong, it will be easy to spread good news as soon as she walks through our door.

After all, that’s my Alice!