Even With Great Memories, Sometimes The Best Decision Is To Part Ways
When we first joined forces, I was taking a chance in choosing you. It turned out the decision at the time (and for many years) was a good one.
Having a bit of fun while feeling safe was important to me, and you fit the requirements nicely. I went with what felt right for me and only me, regardless of others’ opinions or input. Turns out, you made me very happy, and that’s what I always need most.
I can’t deny that as the years went by, I’d get the occasional ‘itch’—the kind that has your eyes and thoughts drifting to the younger, more attractive ‘option’ that hasn’t seen much action yet but seems ready for a good time.
And that’s what happened recently. I’m sorry to say, but this time I’m scratchin’ that itch and we must part ways.
We Weren’t Meant to Last Forever
Did I imagine our relationship would last forever? Of course not.
Did I think I would cut ties quickly after a few conversations with my best compadres? Not really. I thought I’d take my usual approach, weighing all the pluses and minuses, hemming and hawing for at least a few weeks or months. And then, eventually, I’d pull the rip cord and take a leap of faith.
But it happened quickly without much remorse. Sometimes moving on isn’t as hard as we think it will be.
It’s funny that safety with a balance of fun is the driving force behind my decision to make a change. You made me realize I could have both, and for that, I say, ‘thanks’.
Thanks For the Memories, My Dear Countryman
The 2014 Mini Countryman has been my best new car purchase. Performance-wise, it was excellent in all road and weather conditions. And, it was fun to drive. (Photo: Edie Kramer)
We’ve been through a lot together.
Remember the parades we had during Covid? We decked you out with banners and tacky fringe, beeping your horn through our neighborhoods as we celebrated milestones like graduations and birthdays.
We packed you to the max for vacations in Maine and Delaware. You probably still have sand in your floor rugs.
How many rides to high school and college lacrosse games did we make together? Tailgating with you has always been fun.
What about all the high school and college drama and improv shows we enjoyed? Say, ‘yes, and’.
How much coffee has been spilled on your front seats and console? And, why is it always a full cup?
What about all those times we watched kids and adults smiling as they took a picture of your vanity license plate? How fun is that?!
Can you believe three grandnieces and three grandnephews were born while we were together?
You took me to my job, the grocery store, doctor and dentist appointments, my favorite clothing store, and so many more places.
Remember the granite coffee table we picked up instead of having it delivered? When we got home and couldn’t lift it out of your trunk, we had to call the factory and pay two workers to ‘deliver it’ from our driveway to our family room. Not my best day. Not yours either.
How many plants in my gardens enjoyed a trip from the garden center in your trunk? And survived!
Do you still have golden retriever fur in your cracks and crevices?
Are you tired of all the laughter and loud music? So that you know, I wasn’t always the loudest person in the car or the person in charge of the radio. Just saying.
Thanks for keeping the A/C fans pointed at my face and on full blast during perimenopause. Wasn’t that a fun time?
And, how many friends and family members climbed into your passenger and back seats to enjoy a day or evening together?
Don’t Be Sad
Turns out I had to think about what would happen to you after we split up. You mean that much to me.
I’ve found a cute young woman who needs a reliable car and thinks you’re fun. I know in my heart that the two of you will be a good match. And, the best news is that we’ll see each other every once in a while when she comes for a visit.
Wish me good times with your new cousin. I hope she’s a lot like you!
