I’m ready to let you go now. Oh my dear old friend, I bid you adieu. I did not think it was going to be so hard on me as I watched you, my old faithful, go up in flames. Literally. Let me tell you that you are missed. I know that you were showing your years but honestly a sign could not have been so blatant as you lit up the evening air with smoke and flames just a couple of weeks ago. Oh my heart beat loudly as I watched you end.
One never knows what is going to happen in your life from one moment to the next. I just filled you up with gas for goodness sake, on my way to learn how to play pickle ball. Yep, I did not get there. For not two street lights away, a random car rolls down its window to my left as i was driving along and the man shouts out, “your truck is on fire”. I did not see anything at first and then lo and behold a slow trickle of smoke from front of hood began and then whoosh, a big puff of grey smoke unfurls. Immediately I found and turned at the side street ahead….thank the Lord it was there for I was getting into a busy intersection of the city.
Good Samaritans came swooping in, one to my back, cutting off the lane to traffic and then to my far right, crossing street and rushing over to see if I was okay. Yep. Nope. I was not. I was in shock to say the least for I could not comprehend what I was seeing. I want to thank those two strangers who came out of no where and kept me focused. Thankfully one called 911 because I was too much in shock to know what to do….as my head was slow to get in gear and make a call a minute or two late. The 911 person said what is your situation and she knew what and where I was located!!! Honestly, technology has to be the absolute best. Police and fire chief and fire crew came as well as my brother-in-law. All of them reiterated again and again saying “it was only metal. And you are okay.”
Upon reflection, it could have happened while I was out in the rural country driving in or at my home or any number of places. I could have had my grandkids too. Nope, not going there. Needless to say, I am grateful for all that did not happen. You know the woulda, coulda, shoulda…well it is not all for not. I loved my truck and it served me well over the years. But like all good things, they come to an end in some ways, leaving a new door so to speak to open.
I am so grateful to all and especially afterward, as my sister drove me home. I was shaking and her calm way and storytelling allowed me to be still. As well as her husband who stood by and accessed truck for things that were left in there. I wonder if people actually know what is or is not in their vehicle? I did not for sure. And I was not sticking around to find out until I had to go visit it.
Even though my thoughts give over to an ode of farewell, it has put things into perspective. Life is precious. Things can be replaced. Life is precious. Metal is metal. Life is precious. Be thankful.
Did not get a truck. Big sigh. No. I had to be realistic because gas and long term reliability versus being higher up and versatility. What a journey of what is out there!! All of my time over the next few days was spent noting make and models. Hahaha. How is anyone to decide?? Well suffice to say it would not be a car. I am not bending down any more. These seasoned bones are seasoned not nimble and limber.
So, I bit the bullet and voila, not a truck but feels rugged enough. And this one does the trick. I can slide my bottom into the seat, heated seat. Hmmm. Well maybe a wee bit too much of a trick and treat. New. Never had new. Goodness. From a key to a fob who would have thought! It almost talks for land sakes! My learning curve is going through some growing pains but it’s all good.
So thank you kind old faithful truck, for giving me some wonderful years. You toggled many a mile (kilometre) to see those whom I love, took those whom I love, got rid of, trailered, and most of all gave me joy. I want to thank you for letting me down in a place where I was relatively safe, could be helped and no one got hurt. You served your purpose and that is all that I could ask.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers and for those who come to know that life as we know it is precious. Amen.
