Eulogy to a 59 Chrysler
The year was 1963. I do not remember the exact day, but it must have been in the late spring for I remember looking through the leafy green trees over the lush countryside. It was a beautiful day, full of sunlight, warmth and the joy of living. It was on this day that it came into my life.
As Dad and Mom drove up the long lane, I remember noticing the change. My first reaction was a squeal of joy and a mad joyous dash to the driveway. There it was, new, beautiful and clean. Overcome with delight I scrambled into the new car to memorize every detail, to explore every instrument and control.
It was, in fact, not a new car. It was already four years old and had several thousand miles on it. But to me it was something very special, a new car. So began the friendship that I shall never forget.
My first year with this car was a year of learning and understanding. I learned each and every beautiful detail. It’s sound, it’s features and it’s personality. My first experience at driving the car was along the quarter mile lane to pick up the mail. I found the combination of power and maneuverability made each driving experience an exploration, an exploration into the many hidden beauties and dangers the car possessed.
The next great step in our friendship came as I received my first driver’s license. I was living, at this time, in the heart of the city. I used it’s traits of power, maneuverability, and beauty to successfully conquer the crowded and noisy streets.
It was during this time that I came to know more fully what the car possessed. It performed by faith alone. It had happy powerful days, when it’s only passion was to serve the master at the wheel; and there were days of depression and sadness at which it was content to merely convey the passenger to his destination. There were the hot summer nights wh[en] we together drove along the many streets to public places, to meet friends and neighbors. There were nights when we both longed for the freedom which our friendship offered. There were times of sickness when repairs had to be made on the aging but far from failing friend.
Then, the first accident came. A dreadful and sickening gash placed in the fender. This was followed by a period of hospitalization so the necessary healing could be made. The car was also honored with a new coat of paint.
The final move was made and we were back in the country. The car became [an] even more special friend now. A friend which [k]new and understood my every emotion, a friend who never left my side. It carried me safely and faithfully on many trip[s] to town, to the city, to parties, on parties and on dates. It aged very quickly now, but this only added to it’s character.
The deep, guttural and sometimes harsh sound, the mirror which never ceased to annoy, the odor of leaking brake fluid, the rattles and the great power the car possessed revealed much of it’s deep and fine character. Character, along with faithfulness, friendship and perseverance under the worst conditions made the car what it was to me.
But finally the last crippling attack came. The car was confined to the yard with the agonizing pain of disability. At times, I went outside and started it up, but this only added to the misery as I felt the agonizing attempt of movement fail.
Finally the day of the sale came. A mere one hundred dollars was offered for a friend which had shown faithfulness and unceasing service to the very end. As it was towed off a strange feeling filled my heart and as it vanished from my sight I could see the spirit which was still alive waving goodbye.
