(Part of my grieving process when I say goodbye to significant places or things is to write them a thank you note. This thank you was written in May 2024 after selling my Honda Civic.)

You have been an amazing car and probably my last manual transmission.

Do you remember the awful tires you came with?  I almost sold you back to Honda, but Firestone came to the rescue and you’ve been a joy to drive ever since,

Do you remember going tent camping?  What about the time Robert and I had to sleep in you because it had rained so hard all the stuff inside the tent was soaked?

Thank you for safely carrying decks of cards in your glove compartment for Robert and I to play cards anywhere, any time.

Thank you for being a safe place for Robert to hang out when he was done peopling or was coming to meet me at work.  

Thank you to being a safe car for all of Jack and my dates. 

You heard many amazing conversations and saw lots of love and occasional anger. 

You allowed me to rev my engine in frustration as only a manual can.  

Do you remember all the times I rolled down the windows and played the music loud?

You survived a fender bender that left a license plate impression on your rear bumper.

You survived hail storms and freezing temperatures, rain, wind, and beautiful perfect days.

You carried pets to and from their appointments. I’m sure you have hidden fur and feathers in cracks and crevices that I could never find. 

You carried work supplies – oh did you carry work supplies!  And boxes during several moves.  

You started life parked in a garage and then moved to outside.  I hope you felt, as I did, that your sunburned paint and clearly used seats are Velveteen aspects that show you were loved.

You’ve been a workhorse and a joy. Thank you for having good heart!