Open Car Windows

I shared on Tuesday that our nearly-seven-year-old grandson asked me to take him bowling. I did not relate what happened on the way. The light turned red, and he suddenly rolled down the back window. I watched in the read view mirror, amused at his fascination with the fresh air. It did not matter to him that the humidity that morning was 100%.

When the light changed, I used the occasion to educate him about the dangers of open car windows. My adult instinct was to roll the window up, explaining about A/C, heat and humidity, and the advantages of living in the 21st century. Out of nowhere, however, I had a childhood memory of riding in our 1952 Chevy with no A/C. Some nights were so hot in our apartment (no A/C there, either) that we would climb into the car and drive through the Watchung Mountain range with all the windows down. The slight change in altitude made an incredible difference, even if it lasted only a short time. Mom, Pop, and I reveled in the cool evening breeze.

Watching a child explore a new phenomenon is a treat. With the moon roof and both back windows open, air circulated freely in all directions. He smiled and played with the air all the way to the bowling alley; so did I.