It is funny to think how facile I was at navigating the freeways in LA twenty years ago. We took three to get to our homeschooling get togethers- the 2, the 210 and the 5. Picking someone up at the airport meant two more. Once John's mother came to visit after one of our babies was born, and offered to take her grandchildren on an outing. She looked small as she hoisted up to the driver's seat of our van, and a little intimidated at the prospect. She had at that point been driving for forty years, but I said a prayer.

 

My daughter lives in Philly. In figuring out childcare for her baby I was part of a four person plan. I would come down twice a month. I knew that being with my granddaughter would be peachy, but that commute had me a little on edge. This week I took the plunge and with Siri at my side I headed out into the big world of people getting someplace other than where they are. There were students with their arms across their chests waiting at bus stops, homeless people at the corners holding cardboard signs, elderly people walking against the wind. Siri responds to changes in congestion, and rerouted me a couple of times along roads I had never heard of. But after ninety minutes I arrived. Then the fun began. Olly and I played with her wooden toys, and ate organic sweet potatoes. I sang the same tunes I crooned to her mother thirty four years ago. She slept in my sling, occasionally opening one eye to see if I was still there. 

 

Then it was time to head home. The combination of the sleet, ornery drivers distracted by their phones, early nightfall, and the long day made for a less than relaxing ninety minutes home. But I made it. 

 

I thought of my mother in law. Now I am the grandma. I silently apologized for any opinions I had about her abilities, as I face my own limitations. 

 

The other day my daughter called. 

 

"I have big news." My overly rambunctious imagination did somersaults with possibilities I will not say aloud. 

 

"Olly got into the daycare down the street!"

 

I will look for others opportunities to play with the sweetest little girl in Philly. And will time it not to overlap with rush hour.