Greetings! Over
the years I've posted a handful of times following a funeral of in remembrance
of someone who recently died. Today, I am thinking not so much about death of a
person, but of a loss for sure. I want to pay homage to a truck. Yes, I
understand my true southern heritage is showing through. Twenty years ago I
walked onto a car lot, determined to buy a brand new truck. I did. I purchased
a bright blue Ford Ranger. For reasons unknown to me, many people in my family
name cars. From my very first car when I was 16 to my current vehicle, I have
followed the tradition and named vehicles. This truck was immediately named Al,
which I am not ashamed to admit was influenced by the then burgeoning Fox
Network and its anchor show of the day, Married with Children.
As we all know, folks
tend to experience a great deal in the span of 20 years. Al, the truck, was
along for the ride during many major and important changes in my life,
including the beginning of The Streak. In the later years I would
always take Al when I went for a long run, as it didn't matter so much when I
hopped in the cab dripping with sweat. Al never left me stranded. The truck was
a symbol of growth and strength for all the years I drove it.
Last week I donated Al
to the Atlanta Humane Society. I hope Al can keep doing good in the world. When
the tow truck drove away I realized how much the Al had, and still does, mean
to me.
Thank you, Al. I
wish you good luck and I know you will do noble things.
If you can't drive, RUN.
Tom
