Bessie, my love

It's not a done deal, but it looks like we are coming upon the end of an era. The times we shared, my love and I, are cherished memories I shan't quickly forget. Bessie, my truck, my very first car that I've had since I was 16 years old, could no longer sustain life yesterday. Bessie, my Bessie, had her radiator explode about 2 miles from home (little to my knowledge, I thought we had just gone through a dusty patch in the road). However, Bessie loved me truly and gave her all to see me safely two more miles and up one grueling hill coasting into the front of my neighborhood. She died on the last turn as the steering locked up and she breathed her last on Terrault Street.

How sad, how forlorn was I! I walked with tears falling like a spring shower from my eyes back to my house. I called Robert (my good friend and fellow choral conductor) to see if he could help me out. I was in luck (and Robert is a very generous friend), and he came to pick me up. We both wept over the truck and went to the nearest AAA Car Care Center to see what could be done. After an exciting ride in a tow truck (it was the highlight of my day), we finally got back to the certified AAA Car Care Center where I waited as the mechanics went to work on ol' Bess. "The engine blew," the wearied mechanic told me. "At the very least, it's going to cost you $3500 to get another used engine in there." After some consultation with my father, it was clear that it was too much money just to put another engine in the car. Bessie is probably worth less than $5000 (but oh so much more in my heart). So.....we're looking into "other" options. Buying a new (used) car is on the table at this point. And it probably won't be another truck, *sigh*. For those of you who have never owned a truck, you do not understand. You may think I'm a silly goose, but that's okay, because you know not the joys and conveniences of owning a truck. I could haul anything anywhere at anytime. Friends rushed to my side--"I need someone to pick up my mattress," "I need mulch!" "Bring the choral risers around back." Yes, 'twas the life. But now, no more. I could haul much stuff, but I also had no room in the cab. I never had to drive anyone anywhere else, because I could only comfortably fit one other person. Now, (if I get a car, which I probably will; it'll probably be all four door and stuff) I must be the one to be the carpool go-to guy. Not that I don't everyone so far who is taking me around, it's just--sometimes it's fun to not pay for gas.

I'll update the situation once more things happen, but until then....