I drove our family car, the Expedition, home from my parents’ house tonight. Over the years, I’ve made that drive several times. This time will be the last.
Tomorrow, I will likely be selling “Big Blue.”
I wrote recently about another family vehicle, “Jacket Truck” and I told you about its history. Whereas “Big Blue” doesn’t have quite the lineage, that car has still been a major part of our family for the better part of the last decade.
Vacation Van
As I drove home tonight, I thought about some past trips we made. I thought about the family vacations - to D.C. the first year we had it. Later, we took the SUV to Disney. In ‘07, it safely guided us on the “Expedition” voted our family favorite - the Cooperstown to Boston to Maine journey.
“Big Blue” has taken us on several shorter hops, too - across the state to see family in Memphis or to Titans games in Nashville and down I-75 to see a bunch of Braves games. We also drove it around town to various holiday gatherings and milestone events.
Work Truck
I also thought about how dependable and safe the ride has been in the Expedition and how much stuff I hauled. I’ve taken this vehicle to work and back many days over the years (including quite a few out of town trips). I’d plug in my XM radio and listen to some great talk radio or wonderful music.
And many mornings, I started the day with my morning prayers as the wheels of “Big Blue” turned as we rolled down the highway.
Baseball Bus
This SUV also served as the Concord Choppers’ Team Bus during our baseball years. I hauled buckets of balls and bags of gear. More importantly, I squeezed quite a few infielders, outfielders, pitchers and catchers in that vehicle and, as we rode along, the boys celebrated their accomplishments (both on AND off the field).
Frequently, after practice, a bunch of Choppers would jump in to ride along with me and Paul to the post-game pizza party. And on game day, we frequently gave rides to some of Paul’s teammates. After the game, it was always better to recap a big win with a buddy.
Sometimes, though, it was just him and me.
Tonight, I drove “Big Blue” home for the last time.
I know it’s silly - and not practical - to get very emotional about a machine. At the same time, the four of us spent more time together in that vehicle than in any we’ve owned. We owned it more years; we drove it more miles.
It was a safe and dependable vehicle that took us from Point A to Point B more often than it probably should’ve. We pushed “Big Blue” hard; we put her through her paces.
I recall teaching Holly how to drive on the interstate and Paul to navigate the back roads along the lakefront in West Knox County. I remember a lot of great times in that car. I’ll talk a little bit more about it in a later blog.
Apart from this SUV serving as a mechanical marvel, it has been a rolling home away from home. We’ve celebrated several family expeditions guided by “Big Blue.” We spent a lot of special times together; we shared a bunch of laughs.
Those are the things I will remember.
JG
(Source: ford.com)
Originally posted 1/18/2012
No comments:
Post a Comment