When my car sputtered its last breath in February, my parents generously offered me the use of their truck—a 1999 Ford F-150 with an extended cab and topper. I’m not used to driving such a behemoth, and regularly jump curbs, but it’s a reliable vehicle, we got thanks to the used car dealership. The only thing it needed since last winter was an oil change, which seems amazing for a twelve-year-old truck, and a true gift considering the endless repairs my old car required. It’s a gas-guzzler, as my dad warned me, and to fill it up would have cost me over $75 this summer. But a full tank of gas can last me a couple of weeks.
I’m grateful to my parents for the long-term loaner, and grateful to still have the independence a vehicle gives me. I’m saving my pennies, and some day (I figure when I’m around 60), I’ll buy a new Toyota Rav4—my Once and Future car. In the meantime, I’ll be taking real good care of the Ford.
SandySue Altered
A Mind Divided 
Aug 16, 2011 @ 20:22:27
This is a biggie, Sandy. When I was at my sickest, I lived in Dallas for a number of years with no wheels, riding the bus for 5 hours every damn day– Thank God for dad’s truck, indeed. Bless his heart!
Kathy
Aug 17, 2011 @ 10:14:06
I’ve researched the bus lines here, and they aren’t so bad, but the loss of independence and spontaneity would be *hard*. So, yea, gratitude abounds.
Aug 17, 2011 @ 09:15:49
I bought a new Toyota Rav4 2 years ago – first new car I’ve purchased in about 20 years. So far, I love it and plan to drive it til it drops.
Aug 17, 2011 @ 10:11:17
That was my plan, too, until a drunk driver rammed my parked Rav up into the lawn. So started the scramble for wheels.