Tuesday 13 January 2015

End of an era


On New Year’s Eve my car was hit as it sat quietly and innocently out the front of my friend’s house. The damage was so comprehensive that yesterday it was officially written off, and today my dear friend Jacqui headed to the car yard with me so we could remove all my stuff before it gets pulled to pieces and demolished. 

Saying goodbye to the old Honda made me feel kind of sad. I’ve been driving that car for 16 years – X and I bought it when I was heavily pregnant with our eldest son (ES). It’s the car we transported that gorgeous, blonde-haired boy home in from the hospital

For endless months the car was the only place where our baby would go to sleep. On many evenings, X and I would grab some takeout, drive around until ES closed those big blue eyes, then park somewhere overlooking the city lights – eating, chatting and gradually adjusting to parenthood.

The Honda took us up north and way out west several times, and it’s also the vehicle we bought our second baby boy home in… Not so long before our relationship went pear-shaped. 

Image: www.unassumingrebel.com

I shed many a tear in that car as my life fell to pieces, and I got to keep it as part of our property settlement. In the years since, it has safely transported me and the boys to and from our current hometown countless times so they can spend weekends with X. 

The three of us have travelled far and wide, enjoyed the company of lots of friends and moved massive pieces of furniture in that car. And – with the exception of a couple of flat batteries – it’s never let us down. It has even played a role in my new beloved’s life, taking him to and from the airport as we conduct our long-distance relationship and explore my corner of the world together. 

It’s silly, I know, but I'm going to miss my trusty silver steed. It’s clocked up almost 250,000 kilometres (reflected in my tragic insurance payout), and really has been there through thick and thin.

So, now I’m seeking a worthy replacement. Something as reliable would be fabulous. Something capable of holding as many memories would be just perfect.