A Tragic Day: The real cost of family life
Well, today I paid the full price of being a family man. I can barely contain the tears. Being a man and trying to stay strong for my wife and kids, I'll try to go on. But it won't be easy.
Yes, today I had to sell my good old friend, my 1987 Chevy Silverado. She's gone forever. Let the grieving begin.
Here's a picture of her, in all of her American, rock-solid splendor:
Isn't she amazing? (sniff)
And to add the final blow to my flagging masculine spirit, I had to go and buy a Minivan. Yes, I traded a classic Chevy truck for the vehicle of choice for soccer moms! Here is the new vehicle for the Brown family:
Do you see the sacrifices that we men must make to serve our family's best interests?
Not that the ladies don't have to give up some of their own cherished habits and lifestyle choices to live with us men, I'll grant you. My wife has had to give up plenty to put up with the likes of me in her life, like floral sheets and fluffy pillows neatly arranged on couches!
But, it still hurts! Oh, how it hurts...
But I will stay strong. For the family, I will hide my suffering and put on the stiff upper lip, the stoic mask of perseverance. That which does not kill me can only make me stronger, right?
At least I have the consolation of knowing that my old gal is in good hands. I sold her to a fellow Presbyterian, a good Reformed man who will honor her and cherish her for her years of good service in the world. She'll be fine.
But will I?
Does time heal all wounds? I will have to find out the hard way.
Goodbye fair Chevy and farewell!
Posts
10 remonstrances:
I knew there was a reason I liked you Toby. All good Reformed men must first be Chevy Men. ;)
I feel your pain.
Shortly before my wife was due to give birth to our 3rd son. I sold my 1986 RX-7 for a minivan because we needed at least one vehicle that would hold the whole family. 10 years, 135,000 miles, and it still ran sweet. Sniff.
I feel for you, really. I have given up my dream of a convertible kharman ghia for our ford freestyle.
But time will ease the pain, and in time - 10-15 years - I may see my dream become a reality, as you may too. Never stop dreaming!
Gees, and I thought it was hard when a lot of my stuff got voted off the island when Kim moved in after we were married.
So long, hard won collection of plastic cups from various sporting venues.
So long, beat up pots and pans.
So long, utensils from the Dollar Store that served me long and well.
But nothin', nothin' compares with making a man sell his truck!
Stands for a moment of silence in honor of the ol' Chevy.
Sympathy. She looked like a great truck.
Though it wasn't a snazzy sports car, I felt the same way when I finally traded Bessie, my faithful Chevy suburban.
I feel your pain too. I sold my 99 S10 4x4 for a new Buick for the wife, and my 91 BMW 325i for a Honda as a gift for the youth minister when he left to go get a PhD.
You need a motorcycle now. Trust me, it will help.
Brian
Toby,
A few years ago I too was faced with a similar choice, I needed to get rid of my truck and accomodate both construction and family. My answer Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD crew cab. It has been great. Unfortunately it may become a victim of a job change and $3.00/gallon gasoline.
Craig
Here's a toast to Mrs. Toby:
Darlin, you are beyond tolerant to have allowed your husband truck status this long with your kids bein' the age they are and him not in the construction bidness!!! In fact, this long a' time nominates you for sainthood!!!
Just sayin, Toby, after you're finally done grievin' your truck, it's time to go buy really nice flowers and a special dinner for Mrs. Toby.
But no matter the vehicle, all roads do still lead to China.
Post a Comment