Well when I say no weekend post - I mean that its been so busy, that I haven't had a chance to actually put something together.
Those who read "Melbourne - Our Home by the Bay" may know that my 91 year old Dad is staying with us, He's kept me on my toes over the last week. My older brother just had a triple by-pass so we went to visit him in hospital and only today at home.
I also had to take Jack to court this Friday because he was driving on a suspended license - How come a 91 year old can be so delinquent. Anyway we got to court and explained the situation which was a mass of confusion on the part of his age.
Modern technology these days puts the aged at a disadvantage. Ring a government institution these days and you need to press a multitude of numbers before you speak to a human voice and sometimes that voice comes from a country outside yours.
The gist of the story is that my Dad gave up on the system and kept driving - and got caught!
I should explain that he had an accident in a car park and the other people thought Jack was too old to drive and called the police. So he needed to have an eyesight and medical report done. This is where he found the system too difficult to cope with.
Come court day he was wondering the size of the fine that might come his way - it could have been anywhere up to $1400. We rolled up with no representation as Dad decided he would just plead guilty and cop a fine. Legal aid was offered and we took the offer.
Finally we made an appearance before the Magistrate - Legal Aid presented my father's case based on information I had given to him. The Magistrate was most impressed that a man of 91 years had only three previous prior offenses over a 73 years of driving.
She said that she was impressed that a man of his amazing longevity had such a good driving record and that he should continue not driving until he had his license back in order.
So he walked from court with a slap on the wrists, and some good advise.
As I walked from the court, I turned to the Magistrate, nodded with a look of gratitude and she offered a kind smile in return. It restored my faith in the legal system.
The following afternoon, Jack, Sue and I joined friends to watch the Australian Rules Football Grand Final with special friends.It had been a good weekend.
Those who read "Melbourne - Our Home by the Bay" may know that my 91 year old Dad is staying with us, He's kept me on my toes over the last week. My older brother just had a triple by-pass so we went to visit him in hospital and only today at home.
I also had to take Jack to court this Friday because he was driving on a suspended license - How come a 91 year old can be so delinquent. Anyway we got to court and explained the situation which was a mass of confusion on the part of his age.
Modern technology these days puts the aged at a disadvantage. Ring a government institution these days and you need to press a multitude of numbers before you speak to a human voice and sometimes that voice comes from a country outside yours.
The gist of the story is that my Dad gave up on the system and kept driving - and got caught!
I should explain that he had an accident in a car park and the other people thought Jack was too old to drive and called the police. So he needed to have an eyesight and medical report done. This is where he found the system too difficult to cope with.
Come court day he was wondering the size of the fine that might come his way - it could have been anywhere up to $1400. We rolled up with no representation as Dad decided he would just plead guilty and cop a fine. Legal aid was offered and we took the offer.
Finally we made an appearance before the Magistrate - Legal Aid presented my father's case based on information I had given to him. The Magistrate was most impressed that a man of 91 years had only three previous prior offenses over a 73 years of driving.
She said that she was impressed that a man of his amazing longevity had such a good driving record and that he should continue not driving until he had his license back in order.
So he walked from court with a slap on the wrists, and some good advise.
As I walked from the court, I turned to the Magistrate, nodded with a look of gratitude and she offered a kind smile in return. It restored my faith in the legal system.
The following afternoon, Jack, Sue and I joined friends to watch the Australian Rules Football Grand Final with special friends.It had been a good weekend.
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| Jack with his Grandson Andrew who now lives in London and continuing his studies. |
No better way than to grow old disgracefully! :-)
ReplyDeleteSadly I lost my dad in 2008 [he would have been 90 this year] but he drove and lived independently until the end. He did have to have an eye & reaction speed test [every 3 yrs I think] to keep his licence. They were most impressed with his reaction speed. He used to clock one of a person a good 20 yrs younger.
Antoinette
Sorry to hear that you lost your Dad - He sounds like he was a great "bloke".
DeleteYour dad is a gem and so glad it went well to court.
ReplyDeleteWe call him a "Mantle-piece man", you know like an ornament that you put up there as one of your favorite processions.
DeleteHa ha, I know how my FIL (also 91) struggles with these stupid phone calls of dial a number for this and a number for that. If he is lucky enough to get through at all then he say he cannot understand the voice at the other end as the accent is too strong!!! I might add that he have up driving about 4 years back, we thought he was doing just fine but N's sister had other ideas!! Have a great week./ Diane
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you are saying and its going to happen to us one day - I hope!!!!!
DeleteYour dad looks good for 91. I can't comment on his reactions but am pleased that he went into court fighting and prepared to accept the punishment for his 'crime'. The fact that he received understanding and respect for his age and record does, as you say, restore one's faith in justice.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was all good, And tonight we polished off a good bottle of wine finished off with two glasses of port. I've just tucked him into bed.
DeleteI had to chuckle at this story. I work with old people a lot and they often ignore rules and regulations, either because they can't figure out what to do or because they think at their age it shouldn't matter !!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your dad was dealt with sensibly and sympathetically, as you say, it restores one's faith that common sense can prevail after all.
Thanks Jean and I guess you are enjoying having your Dad with you as well. Say a hello to him from Sue and I.
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