My son turned 17 last week. Yes, that was momentous on its own -- but what was really game changing was Eric's first unaccompanied drive. Having passed his road test a little while back, turning 17 meant taking the car to school for the first time. Since then, he has very happily run errands, filled the car with gas, and this morning made a trip to the bagel store to buy us all breakfast.

That feeling of independence struck me. Although it was many years ago (no, I will not disclose how many), I remember it. Being able to take the car is a stepping stone to adulthood. No longer reliant upon someone else to take you where you need to go -- instead reliant upon yourself.

Personally, I drove late. I grew up in Brooklyn where public transportation was literally on my corner and I had friends who drove me anywhere I wanted to go. I was younger than all my friends. When they all took drivers’ ed, I wasn't old enough. Put all of that together and I didn't drive until I was a junior in college, a full four years later than pretty much everyone else I knew. Let's just say that by the time I had my license it was really time for me to drive.

I am excited for Eric. I am confident this will be the first of many steps towards his growing independence.

Do you remember your first solo car trip?