I love saying that.
This past weekend, I went "car shopping" for Ella the Explorer's replacement. Subsequently, I had to clean out my car and get it ready to be traded in. What I found was a time capsule of the last 10 years of my life. And it was exceptionally thrilling and simultaneously heartbreaking.
I wouldn't normally eulogize an inanimate object... but this particular one is why some of you are reading this. You see, this car and I may have taught you how to drive, thus solidifying our friendship for years to come. This car may have picked you up on a Friday night and brought you home on a Sunday afternoon. This car may have been a staple in your driveway on weekends. I know some of you drove this car for me when I had too much to drink. This car drove me around the Midwest for my book tour, took me to my first job, and took me to the first Hoosierette wedding. Ella the Explorer tried a few times to achieve unemployment... (aka crashes) but those accidents introduced me to people, gave me stories to tell, and later in life they would save me. This car is where my boyfriend told me he loved me for the first time. This car drove me back to Illinois from the place where I called home for four years... with my best friend in the passengers seat keeping me smiling the whole way. This "object" drove people to class, home from work, and home from bars in college... but also took a 2 year old to get 'upcakes' a year later. This car has taken me to weddings, baptisms, and also to a few funerals. This car has been in my life longer than some of my friends, longer than President Obama has been in office, and it existed in my life before I even drank coffee OR pepsi. So you can see why I love saying that I have driven it for 10 delightful years.
Letting go of such a piece of my life is going to be really hard. I am unsure that any other vehicle can mean as much to me as Ella did... but it truly is time to move on.
Rest in Peace Ella the Exporer. Thank you for 10 beautiful and safe years, and 100,000 miles together. And thank you for all the friendships and successes you brought to me along the way.