Driving Me Crazy

Dear Strawboss,
My dad has been asking to pick up my son and take him somewhere for a day out, but my dad has numerous life threatening health issues and just waking up is a miracle for him. I don't want him driving my son anywhere because this (he probably shouldn't be driving at all.) My dad is very stubborn and I don't want to hurt his feelings. Any great ideas how I can address this in writing to him??
Leave the Driving to Us

Leave the Driving to Us,
You have a number of options here. First, you could hire a skywriter to write the words STOP DRIVING! Of course, that might be a little too subtle.  If you have any Chinese connections, you could place the note in a fortune cookie: Confucius says, "Get a bus pass." 

The downside is that delivering such a sensitive message in an impersonal letter is lot like telling a child he's adopted by cutting his face out of all the family photos. The fact is you're not going to be able to avoid hurting your father's feelings. Besides, that isn't your job. Your job is to be honest with your family and responsible for the welfare of your child. Your son's life is far more important than your father's pride and your aversion to conflict.

Sit your father down and calmly explain to him your concerns. His reaction to your words is his responsibility, not yours. Perhaps your relationship will be strained for some time, but that is far better than a lifetime of heartache. If you still insist on the indirect route, send a singing telegram, preferably a gorilla or a chicken. It won't hurt any less, but it'll be good for a laugh...in the future.

I am the Strawboss. Do not judge me.