What is 'PRNDL'?

As I look back on this memory, I am not quite sure what to think. I really wasn't stupid, but sheltered for sure! I still chuckle when I think about it.

I was a cloudy, chilly day in fall. My 13 year old brother and my 15 year old self sat in the 1961 turquoise blue Ford Falcon. I was in the driver's seat as part of my 'homework' assignment. My brother sat proudly next to me. This was a pivotal moment in the life of Big Sister. One that he may be able to benefit from in the future? Or so he thought.

I had just begun my 'Driver's Ed' class! As any teenager will tell you "Just too Awesome for words!" My teacher had instructed me and my class to go home and sit in the driver's seat of the family car. Do not start up the car, too early in class for that. Just sit there. Familiarize yourselves with the steering wheel, the pedals, the dash, the mirrors, and everything near that driver's seat. Practice your hand signals, he said (no turn signals back then).

With my brother as my passenger, I positioned myself and began my most exciting homework assignment ever! I placed my hands on the steering wheel. I noticed a word spelled out behind the steering wheel. I stared at it for a minute or so. Clear as day it said 'PRNDL'.

I called upon my brother to help me solve this mystery. I said "What is PRNDL?" He said "What?" "Right here", I said. I pointed to the area just behind the steering wheel. It says "PRNDYL". My brother shook his head. While looking down and still shaking his head he said,"You Dummy. That spells out the gears." . . ."WHAT?" "Yes" he said. P is for PARK . . . R is for REVERSE . . . N is for NEUTRAL . . . D is for DRIVE and L is for the LOW gear".

Wow! How is this possible? My kid brother knows more about this than I do! And I was going to mentor him in his future driving endeavors. I felt stupid and humiliated. He felt discouraged, I'm sure. However, the mood was temporary, as things are with teenagers. But the memory and chuckles live on!