Getting Rid of My Car. . . Reflections on Old Memories and Making Space for New Ones

Um, yes I do realize how ridiculous this sounds. But to anyone who has had to say goodbye to a car that's been with you for 10+ years, it can be kind of emotional! I cannot begin to quantify the number of hours I spent in there. 

As part of the #morewordschallenge with Exhale Creativity, one of our prompts was to:
"Write a thank you note to your neighborhood, city, or a specific place, like a restaurant, coffee shop, park or any meaningful location."

Dear 2006 Acura TSX,

Today, I watched you drive away with my husband inside, and I will never see you again. It may seem to many that a car would not elicit such an emotional response, but we have been through a lot together. Thank you for always being there for me. You were one of the most steadfast and reliable things in my life during times of great happiness as well as turbulence and change.

I remember the day I test drove you. You were the first big purchase I made for myself. You were used, but felt so new to me. I remember the feel of the slightly worn leather beneath my hands. It brought nostalgia of learning to drive in my parents' car. The smell of the worn leather seats still sits in my nose. I wanted a four-door vehicle, thinking "this will be good for a family" — which I thought would be not too far off, but ended up being 11 years later.

You saw me through commuting to my first job working in the hospital. You took me to my graduate school classes. You helped me move from home to home, until I found where my heart belonged. You took me across the country to the love of my life — packed to the brim with every last possession I owned. You heard my laughter and my secrets. You caught my tears when I just couldn't hold them in.

Most importantly, you kept me safe. Not once did we have an accident together. We were a great team (aside from the time that your bumper fell off, but I like to think we recovered from that well). The warmth and safety I felt every time I sat in the driver's seat is a feeling I will never forget, and I will be forever grateful to you for all you've given me.
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We traveled 200,000 miles together — hard to believe it. You're one of my longest relationships. But now, it's time to say goodbye. I'd like to think we both know it's time to move on. As my family expands, our needs are changing. I cried as you drove away, feeling a little silly for having such an emotional reaction to an inanimate object. I'm excited to see what our next adventure holds.

Love,
Me