Today I have an appointment to get my oil changed at noon. I loath anything to do with auto maintenance, but many years ago I learned the hard way that oil is to a car, like chocolate is to a woman.
When I was 20 I moved about an hour away from home rooming with some friends. It was a very important time in my life but also a time of growth. Sometimes growth isn't attractive.
Way back when... I had the cutest little Chevy Chevette. It was powder blue with rust accents, an automatic with manual windows and locks, but it did have a cassette player. Basically it was a cassette player on wheels! My first car. I acquired said car and moved out all within a few months after my parents divorce.
My dad was a bit preoccupied with his new single life and my mom was busy surviving. I'm not sure if anyone actually TOLD me to have the oil changed, maybe they did, but I didn't! Lucky for me my favorite uncle lived within minutes of my new bachelorette pad and every time I had car trouble he would be right there to give me a hand. I'd spend afternoons at his house and visit with my Aunt Angie while he figured out what to do next with my giant blue cassette player. I have warm memories of home cooked meals, great conversation and most of all, comforting family acceptance.
I do remember Uncle Rich telling me to change my oil. I also have a vivid memory of him shaking his head when the mechanic told us that I had burned out my engine because I never did. The worst part is, that I replaced that engine and burned out the second one too. Many years later whenever I visited Uncle Rich he would ask, "Change your oil lately?" It wasn't until I married Jim that he would finally stop asking!
Eventually I moved back home and learned to take care of my cars but I will always remember how my Aunt & Uncle were so generous and loving during a difficult time in my life. A home away from home, a haven.
Today, I have an oil change scheduled for noon, but my Aunt Angie is having a pacemaker put in her 81 year old heart. They no longer live near and I wish I could wrap my arms around my Uncle and tell him that his beloved will be just fine. I wish I could hold Angie's hand and tell her I love her.
Pray with me today for my sweet Aunt and Uncle and don't forget to change your oil.
When I was 20 I moved about an hour away from home rooming with some friends. It was a very important time in my life but also a time of growth. Sometimes growth isn't attractive.
Way back when... I had the cutest little Chevy Chevette. It was powder blue with rust accents, an automatic with manual windows and locks, but it did have a cassette player. Basically it was a cassette player on wheels! My first car. I acquired said car and moved out all within a few months after my parents divorce.
My dad was a bit preoccupied with his new single life and my mom was busy surviving. I'm not sure if anyone actually TOLD me to have the oil changed, maybe they did, but I didn't! Lucky for me my favorite uncle lived within minutes of my new bachelorette pad and every time I had car trouble he would be right there to give me a hand. I'd spend afternoons at his house and visit with my Aunt Angie while he figured out what to do next with my giant blue cassette player. I have warm memories of home cooked meals, great conversation and most of all, comforting family acceptance.
I do remember Uncle Rich telling me to change my oil. I also have a vivid memory of him shaking his head when the mechanic told us that I had burned out my engine because I never did. The worst part is, that I replaced that engine and burned out the second one too. Many years later whenever I visited Uncle Rich he would ask, "Change your oil lately?" It wasn't until I married Jim that he would finally stop asking!
Eventually I moved back home and learned to take care of my cars but I will always remember how my Aunt & Uncle were so generous and loving during a difficult time in my life. A home away from home, a haven.
Today, I have an oil change scheduled for noon, but my Aunt Angie is having a pacemaker put in her 81 year old heart. They no longer live near and I wish I could wrap my arms around my Uncle and tell him that his beloved will be just fine. I wish I could hold Angie's hand and tell her I love her.
Pray with me today for my sweet Aunt and Uncle and don't forget to change your oil.
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