Day 5, My ode to Beth

It should come as no surprise to most who know me that I love my car. Yes, I’ve gone as far as naming my car. Beth, because she looks like a Beth, which makes my friend Tammy laugh every time. I’ve owned this car since 1997; I have been her only owner. I know my male friends may understand better, there is a synergy between car and driver. Beth and I have been through many winters and many close calls; I know how she is going to handle in pretty much any situation. I take care of her, maybe not as well as my husband would like but despite all of his polishing his truck is getting rust also, we do live in Michigan after all.

So the past few years have been rough on Beth. I’ll be honest, the first time I saw her on a tow truck I cried. Not the all out sob but a tear down my cheek as I quickly tried to wipe it away before my husband could mock me. My poor car has been through a lot, up to this point I have been able to convince my husband that repair has been better than replacing. This week as I was driving there was a sickening sound that I knew must be trouble. A broken front spring. She had also been leaking oil all winter, again. As I left Beth at Lentz I was not sure what the outcome would be. As I was pondering that and a bit melancholy Todd tells me that if we can’t afford to repair my car I would “have” to drive his father’s minivan, in fact we would likely buy it. I am trying to stifle my tears, he knows I hate driving minivans, I know he knows this. I tell him as strongly as I can that I will not drive or buy a minivan. I explained that I was grateful to have dad’s minivan to borrow when necessary but I would not buy it. I was so angry.

Well, 3 days later I am able to bring Beth home and so far she is running as good as new. I took a few pictures of her tonight, my first night with her back. As silly as this may sound to all of you I do love this car and I lament the day that I have to retire her and get a different one. I believe in the synergy between myself and this lovely car and will mourn her if I ever have to get rid of her.