On Monday, April 11, 2011, Our Car was removed from her parking spot on G Street and 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C. by an unknown thief. While I retain hope for her return, I want to take a minute to eulogize her significant contribution to our life over the last six years.
She was a sleek and stylish member of the family. I often reminded Dave that she was a “race car” (mostly to explain why I scraped the front bumper when parking, or why her tires were ridiculously expensive). Among her many talents was our very favorite:
…she never seemed to run out of space to put things. She faithfully hauled our belongings across the country on several road trips, and two long moves.
Most recently, she carried Milo’s prize tractor as if she, herself, were a truck.
Her delicate tires allowed us smooth driving. Though they required a bit of maintenance. Dave became quite proficient at changing her tires when they were flat.
Which was at least once a year.
We have fond memories of our travels nestled in her care. Many peanut butter and honey sandwiches were consumed as we cruised long distances without stopping to refuel. Her tank was trusty, and even driving a day or more on empty (with the red light blaring) we never once ran out of gas.
She loved exploring new places and meeting new friends. Like the wild horses that attacked our campsite on the beach of Assateague Island.
And, though not as tough as a four wheel drive, her snow skills got us through five snowy winters (when Dave had to get out and push, she was always so willing to continue rolling forward!): two in Utah, one in New Hampshire and two in Virginia.
Of all her many wondrous abilities, that for which I was perhaps most grateful is the way she cared for my dear child as if he were her own.
She welcomed him as newborn with an open seat.
She never complained about the piles of snacks and spills ground into her upholstery.
And she became his friend. A place where he was comfortable and content.
And begin to grow up.
Thanks for all the good times dear Car. We hope to see you soon, but if not, keep on truckin’
****UPDATE****
This afternoon I called the police back to add some items from inside the car to the report, and before hanging up asked the officer to double-check that it hadn’t been located. She was gone a minute, then came back with great news: Our Car had been located a few blocks from where we had originally parked it!
When we got there we were told by another officer that the car had, in fact, been towed. Twice. See, in DC cars are “relocated” rather than “towed”, which becomes problematic if the towing company fails to report the tow to the city. We have some fines to contest (since our original spot was not a tow zone…) but we’ve got her back!!
And our happy family went in our happy family vehicle to celebrate, and Rita’s was celebrating, too! Free sprinkles! Somehow I knew it would all be okay:)
