Recently I was able to go back to my parents’ home and spend
a little time just enjoying family. My Dad is an auto body mechanic and would
to carry me to school an hour away each day so I learned all about the makes
and models of cars from him, as well as an appreciation for a more laid back morning
radio show. After all, where else could you hear the morning birthdays of both
young and old as well as the finer points of red eye gravy and squirrel? Ugh! I took the DJ at his word for the
breakfast advice then and now. Some things are just meant for those with a
stronger constitution than mine. Anyway,
back to the cars. Cars were a way for my Dad and me to bond in my younger years.
I am not a mechanic but my love of automobiles will always be tied to my
relationship with my Dad. During this
trip we were able to go to a car show, something I have not done in years.
Other than slightly cooler than preferred weather, we had an enjoyable time
looking at all that was on display. One such model was a Ford Pinto wagon. Minus
the woodgrain panels it was exactly like the one that I spent many an afternoon
ride home from school in. Memories came flooding in of hot summer days with the
windows down and those leatherish seats that stuck to my legs. My mom changing
a flat tire on the way home from school. One family trip to the beach in particular
because my Dad decided he wanted to try limburger cheese. It was a stinky ride
back to the hotel for my brother and me in the back seat. With so many cars to
see, my Mom and Dad both reminisced about vehicles from their younger years,
sharing stories from a time that I was not a part of. My daughter had the
opportunity to go with me and was able to hear all these stories as well. Looking
back on the day later I realized that for her, all the stories were from a time
she was not part of. I just hope that one day my children will see a classic
vehicle that had seen it’s prime in their younger years and share their stories
with their children about a time that is now and those children are not yet a
part of.
