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Saying Goodbye To My Baby
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Due to an unfortunate turn of maintenance-related events, the time has suddenly come to say goodbye to my baby. My 1996 Honda Accord, that is. After sinking $900 into it just six weeks ago, the check engine light came on again this past Thursday and we were looking at another $600 in repairs. I suppose that after 167,000 miles, this is what happens, but I will say that up until about 155,000 miles, this car was nearly flawless, and my most prized possession. Last night I went to sign the paperwork for a new Honda Civic and took a trade in of $1,600. I asked the salesman if I could take the Accord home for one last night and he agreed, so after the dirty work was done, I walked out to the dark parking lot and saw my sweet, faithful 1996 Accord sitting there (looking very lonely) waiting for me. .jpg)
Sure, I'll admit it. I cried. Maybe that's pregnancy hormones at work, but I'm going to have to believe that some of the emotion was genuine. Afterall, my baby has been with me since I was 16 -- through five mailing addresses, four boyfriends, the advent of cell phones, four years of college, two jobs, marriage, and the birth of my own baby (who, frankly, I was hoping might drive the Accord someday!). I opened the door and got a wiff of the old Honda funk. I'll openly admit it's an awful smell, but it unleashed another barrage of tears that lasted the whole ride home. When I walked into the house all puffy-eyed, Josh was pretty much sure I'd lost my mind. .jpg)
I suppose that being an American-made car man, he simply can't understand the connection that one forms with a perfectly crafted Japanese automobile over 14 years! This morning I cleaned out the car which, thanks to my husband's less than loving care over the past three years, was chock full of junk, including a lifetime supply of Dunkin Donuts napkins, 53 FirstComp pens, 27 golf tees and, most disturbingly, a Miller High Life cap. (Josh, any comments on that?). So anyways, here's where a bit if history ends. Goodbye my sweet friend!
.jpg)
Due to an unfortunate turn of maintenance-related events, the time has suddenly come to say goodbye to my baby. My 1996 Honda Accord, that is. After sinking $900 into it just six weeks ago, the check engine light came on again this past Thursday and we were looking at another $600 in repairs. I suppose that after 167,000 miles, this is what happens, but I will say that up until about 155,000 miles, this car was nearly flawless, and my most prized possession. Last night I went to sign the paperwork for a new Honda Civic and took a trade in of $1,600. I asked the salesman if I could take the Accord home for one last night and he agreed, so after the dirty work was done, I walked out to the dark parking lot and saw my sweet, faithful 1996 Accord sitting there (looking very lonely) waiting for me. .jpg)
Sure, I'll admit it. I cried. Maybe that's pregnancy hormones at work, but I'm going to have to believe that some of the emotion was genuine. Afterall, my baby has been with me since I was 16 -- through five mailing addresses, four boyfriends, the advent of cell phones, four years of college, two jobs, marriage, and the birth of my own baby (who, frankly, I was hoping might drive the Accord someday!). I opened the door and got a wiff of the old Honda funk. I'll openly admit it's an awful smell, but it unleashed another barrage of tears that lasted the whole ride home. When I walked into the house all puffy-eyed, Josh was pretty much sure I'd lost my mind. .jpg)
I suppose that being an American-made car man, he simply can't understand the connection that one forms with a perfectly crafted Japanese automobile over 14 years! This morning I cleaned out the car which, thanks to my husband's less than loving care over the past three years, was chock full of junk, including a lifetime supply of Dunkin Donuts napkins, 53 FirstComp pens, 27 golf tees and, most disturbingly, a Miller High Life cap. (Josh, any comments on that?). So anyways, here's where a bit if history ends. Goodbye my sweet friend!
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4 comments:
From one Honda driver to another, I understand. I'm just glad you signed on for a new civic.
I agree with Denise, let the new Honda console you. I still grieve over my white Civic that I gave away to someone in town. I occasionally see it parked in the church lot with it's Grove City sticker on the back bumper--visible remains of its happy life with me.
I even thought about sending my story to Honda.
I have to say, I'm sad right along with you and I would've cried a lot too. I'm glad he let you take it home for one more night, but I don't think I could've handled it.
In fact, I made Danny clean our Honda before we gave it away. I just knew the flood of memories would return and I didn't want to open that gate of waters. :)
Happy driving.
And I'm sure Anna will be happy to drive the new Honda as it will be rather old by the time she's of age!
Josh -
Immediately check the FirstComp benefits package. Most major companies have some type of coverage for treatment of this type of behavior. I'm told that the best chance of recovery is to attack the problem intensely. Generally, the treatment involves the purchase of a minimum of three more new cars in the next 3 to 4 weeks. As an alternative, even test driving 50 to 60 automobiles over a 1 to 2 month period can help to alleviate the symptoms.
Above all - do not, I repeat - do not - indicate that the Honda plant is in Marysville, OH in the good old US of A. It could tip her over the edge. Good luck.
Gen. "Grandpop" Motors
Josh -
Immediately check the benefits package at FirstComp. Most major companies have some type of therapist coverage. When a spouse exhibits abnormal behavior such as this, the best chance of returning to become some positive contribution to society is treatment early and intense.
We're here for you.
Gen. "Grandpop" Motors
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