We said a difficult good bye last week. We knew it was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier. It was time, and we knew it was for the best. It was time to trade in the mini van and get a smaller vehicle. I mean we have dealt with so much change the last few months, why not?

We purchased our first mini van when we only had one child and he was around one. I remember him in a carseat as we test drove several vehicles and dreamed of the day when every seat would be filled. That happened – we had 3 more children and were often happily transporting their friends as well. It was a noisy crew and the closest I will ever come to being a bus driver, and I miss it already. We did our best to keep it clean, but the obvious french fries and hair ties were often found in between seats, drink spills and marker swipes were inevitable as well. We have had 3 mini vans in the last 26 years and they have served us well.

Many might think that trading in a vehicle is a simple, emotionless process – but I would disagree. Our mini van was named Holly, because who doesn’t name their cars (or is it only us?!). She has SEEN some things. From Christmas lights tours to college move ins, Florida road trips to transporting wedding decor for 2 of our daughters. All 4 of our children learned to drive in this Honda Odyssey, and she is not a little girl – if they could navigate the roads in her, they were good to go! She took all 4 of their belongings to college for us. On the roads that she traveled , she has heard long stories, loud laughter and angry disputes. She saw the children grow from grade school silly gooses to beautiful brides and home owning men. Saying goodbye to this van meant saying goodbye to the possibility of ever driving that many kids around again. As I said, she has witnessed our family evolve, and we are grateful for her – she was reliable and always ready for the next adventure.

I am happy with my new car – a maroon Chevy Trax that I have named Tiny. In comparison, she has some fun bells and whistles not found on Holly and she is a breeze to park in smaller spots. I have hung up my tried and true air freshener that is a photo of our dog Ruby, and purchased new gum and mints to enjoy on the road. She has already gone to the lake with us and driven through her first rain storm – we are making new memories for sure! All in all, this is just an appreciation post for having dependable vehicles and enjoying the big and little aspects of life.

*And lastly, and more importantly, what is the name of YOUR vehicle?!?!?