We spent the weekend at the lake. At one point the other kids were kayaking and Darcy was all alone with me and Meg. Plus, we were in the middle of cleaning, loading the back of the van for a trip to the dumpster. Teenage depression!

“Hey Darcy, want to drive the van to the dumpster?”

Car keys turned off depression and started joy! She had never been behind the wheel before, so it was all basics. Seat belts. Pedals. Only use your right foot. Okay, left foot for the emergency brake… foot on the brake, shift into drive… slow… and then the accelerate, brake herky-jerky began.

About halfway two neighbors were talking, they had no idea how close they were to death. But Darcy, slamming on the brakes 100 feet away, saved their lives! Of course they did not move, so we had to slowly drive by them. We made it to the dumpster and back. Darcy declared she is ready to get her license! Though she did ask Meg, “how do you keep it going the same speed?”

It was wonderful to see downcast Darcy become delighted Darcy. It only took a little extra, but I did have to break from my chores (and risk the neighbor’s lives). That little move to the passenger seat, made a memory. I think these moments are available more often than we realize. If you seize them you get share in the delight.