An Ode to My Old Ford

An ode to my old Ford, also known as Jah-La-Pé

I got this car when I was 16. I remember my friend and I geeking out over how fast it went from 0 to 60, our only other reference point being an ancient minivan. I remember us testing the breaks out, and quickly learning the important of seat belts.

I’ve driven it through the mountains as the sun was rising and the fog hung low in the valleys. I’ve driven it through cities and across state lines, on backroads and highways, on gravel roads and grassy fields. I remember getting a little air when I drove it too fast on some bumpy unnamed country road. There was that one time I drove it over a log, ripping part of the bumper off. I’ll never forget that sound, and the look on my friends face watching it happen. We managed to kick it back in place. Somehow it hung on until the end.

I wanted to drive it until it hit 222,222 miles, but the transmission had other plans. I still got it past 220,500 miles, which I think is still pretty impressive, especially considering the number of times I ignored the change oil light.

This year, after almost 15 years together, we parted ways and I got a new car. This new one should be able to drive over a log, a huge selling point. The new one better fits who I am now, and my plans for where I want to go. I hope I can get this one to 222,222 miles, and I hope to cover the bumper with stickers of where I’ve been. I miss my old car and all the memories it held, but I can’t wait to make more with the new one.

Thanks for reading.