A Haven for Vee

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Of New Second Hand Cars, Et Cetera

My beautiful blue Impala was getting older. Sometimes I fretted, but then I would give it to God because, like so many other things going on, all I know to do is give whatever-it-is to Him—always the very best thing to do.

Then last month, my father, sister, and brother-in-law gifted me with my dad's car. My father was sad when he had to give up his license, but it seemed to please him to be able to gift it. (I had not realized that he had the joy of giving it twice. ☺) It is another Impala, four years newer with much lower mileage. It's light gray, not my favorite color for Maine winters, but beggars can't be choosers. 

Yesterday, my sister-in-law and I drove in freezing rain up into the Western foothills to deliver the blue Impala to a friend of hers who is going to help me sell it. Phew. I don't do the car selling thing so well. John always did that for me in the past, even for many years longer than we were married. 

He was good with that kind of thing. He had the perfect location along the main route and a good pull-off place at the end of his drive. I considered doing likewise, but it didn't take me too long to think again. The thought of having people call at all hours and having to meet with them and allow them to drive the car, etc. Nope, it wasn't giving me a happy feeling.

Recently, my daughter purchased a new car...white...have I mentioned this? Perhaps. Anyway, she had had a difficult time saying so long to her well-loved truck. Imagine my surprise when I began to tear up at the thought of leaving my old car behind. Good grief! So I followed my advice to her and thanked God instead for all the years of faithful service it had provided. He is my Source! He deserves all the gratitude.

~Saying So Long~

And I thank Him for good friends, too!

46 comments:

  1. I hear you. I have had a couple of cars that I felt so 'connected to' that I hated to have to move on to a different car. How great that you got a newer car from your dad. A perfect early Christmas present! xo Diana

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  2. I had a red mustang convertible that I loved...it was hard letting that one go! I am glad that you were gifted a newer car from your Dad.

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  3. I can relate to that. That "thing" (car, house, anything) comes to represent a significant part of our lives and that's how it feels when it's time to part with it. Like it's more than just "the thing." Your words of advice are just right and I'm glad that you accepted those words for yourself.

    I love seeing how the Lord provided when we give it to Him!!

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  4. Oh good thoughts on giving up things. So glad you now have a more reliable vehicle. I don't like the whole selling big things like cars and dealing with the phone calls and such. Glad there's someone to do that for you. Thank you Lord for taking care of Vee in big and small ways.

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  5. I couldn't see much past your beautiful header....that made ME tear up

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    1. Sometimes it has that effect on me, but usually I just smile as I remind myself why I am carrying on with Christmas...I'm joining in with the cheer in celebrating The Lord Who was willing to come to this old planet for just such reasons as widowhood, among others. And didn't John just love Christmas! After years, decades, of not celebrating much, he sure did love The Haven where we celebrated and decorated. Not too many tears now! John would not like that.

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  6. God provides such comfort. Reading this and knowing that God has been providing for you in unexpected ways is a blessing and I'm thanking Him for taking care of you, too. I'm not sure that I get attached to cars. I don't enjoy driving and consider them a necessary evil, but I'm thankful that I have one.

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  7. Oh, that was awfully nice of your dad.

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  8. Vee, I understand your heart totally. I hate giving up my vehicles for a newer one. Matter of fact, I will drive it till the wheels come off if my man would let me. I love the thoughts of something being paid for and getting lots of use out of it to start off with but when it's just been a part of you for so long it's hard to give up. But yes, thankful for the many blessings should be our attitude for sure. Love the picture! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  9. We are strange creatures, aren't we? My husband got teary-eyed when we had to replace the car he had been driving as a teen. I was at a loss to understand that, at the time. However, I was just a young newlywed at the time and by God's grace, I've learned a lot since then -- and I've misted up over the change of our cars ever since. We spend so much time in our cars, they are like a dependable friend!!

    SUCH a sweet picture of John decorating the Christmas tree!

    And yes, we are so much better off when we turn things over to the Lord. So much better. Hugs!

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  10. I suppose if a car has been a faithful and reliable vehicle, it is worth a tear or two. We sold 2 cars this summer, what an ordeal so it's a good thing you have help.
    Our youngest daughter only likes white cars while I go for the silver or gray, we all have our preference. :-)

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  11. Hi Vee,

    I completely understand feeling a bit sad about letting go of a car. We make a policy of driving our cars until they're ready to drop and have almost always gotten many miles of reliable service from each one. It helps that Hal does most of the maintenance and repairs to ours (Will's included). We had a Chevrolet Impala when I was about eight years old; my dad loved that car. :)

    I love the garage shown in your picture. It looks like a barn and the wood siding is WONDERFUL. I'm glad you have someone to help you sell the car, Vee; much less headache for you. Thanks for your visit today and have a wonderful week, my friend!

    Hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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    1. or not...golly I learn a lot around here...

      It does look like a barn, but since it is not used for farm animals or agriculture, it is a garage.

      Now I always thought that a barn was bigger than a garage and that that is what differentiated them. =/

      Thanks, Denise!

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  12. God is good and faithful. It makes my heart swell up knowing how he is taking care of you. The barn is magnificent! It looks huge! I see snow on the ground there. Would you believe we have not had so much as a frost here? The trees are even holding on to their leaves! I'm sitting outside on my front porch as I write listening to Christmas music through the open door. I yearn for some Christmas like weather but am grateful it's at least not hot! Love the photo in your header. We all miss John......

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  13. Well, wasn't that nice to be gifted a newer car, Vee? The Good Lord is looking out for you, for sure. Here's hoping you get a good price on your old car. Now go and make yourself feel better and make some of Diana's caramels! xx

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  14. Our vehicles become part of our lives, we use them so often! It is no wonder we get attached to them!

    So neat to see how God provided for you!

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  15. I think I'd cry if I had to get rid of my Corvette.
    Many you have many safe driving hours with the new car.

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  16. Your Impala surely was a looker...love the color. It's amazing how God's timing is always so perfect! I drove my little green Jeep Liberty off of the showroom floor back in 2004 and she still looks beautiful and runs great...only has few little "issues". Having our own personal mechanic in the family is probably why she's still purring along. Enjoy your "new" ride :)

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  17. Wonderful! We had the pleasure a couple of months ago of passing on for a much reduced price man's car to someone in need who will really appreciate it, it is amazing what these things can do for someone. Glad you have someone to help with your old car, and glad you could help your Dad with loving his car and that all round it has gone well. xx p.s. thank you for your comments, you are such a dear. xx

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  18. I understand! I always tear up when we leave an old, part-of-our-lives-for-so-long vehicle on the used car lot--even as we drive our nicer, newer ride away into the sunset! (We've driven our current car for over ten years...the time approaches!)

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  19. I totally understand you feeling sad saying goodbye to a car. We keep our cars a long while, and I do get attached! We got my current car secondhand, with very low mileage, and I just love it. It is very comfortable so I hope it will last me a good long while.
    We got a foot of very heavy snow overnight, and were without power for 14 hours. Brrrr. I do not love winter.... And we have more coming tonight, 8" or so. Many still don't have their power restored. I hope there aren't more outages tonight. Did you get this storm too?

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    1. No, Linda, we didn't. In fact, what little we got yesterday is now gone. How awful to be without power for that long! Take care up there!

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  20. Vee, You are so right...Who would do more for us than our Lord. Heck, I still miss my old house in town. We can get attached to things. So sweet ...your dad...he is happy to help you. Give him a hug from me. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  21. I understand the feelings about leaving the old car for the new. We keep our cars a long time and they feel like part of the family. What a sweet gift from your father! I stand amazed at your grit, dear Vee. Have a nice weekend. ♥

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  22. Awe, such a sweet story and we'd all be soooo much better off if we'd just turn it over to HIM first thing. Generally I have to try and figure it out myself and then give it to HIM. I know your husband would be so proud of you and how wise you are being. Blessings to you as you continue to go forth.

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  23. I think all of us can identify. A good care is like a faithful friend...look at all we trust them with!

    I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I've been so behind in blogging. Wondering what tip you used from little 'ol list...Believe it or not, Part 2 is even longer! ;-D

    Jane

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  24. I can completely understand your reluctance in saying goodbye to your Impala. Our cars become faithful friends. So nice that your Dad has gifted you with his newer Impala. Also nice that your sister-in-law's friend will take care of the sale. I wouldn't like to be left with that task either.

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  25. I've recently decided to sell my car. I prepared a sign and went outside to put it on the car. As I was doing that, someone stopped, asked about the car and bought it for the full asking price. Best sale ever :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. How cool! It must have been priced right!☺

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  26. Hi Vee~

    You are so sweet . . . I just love your faith! It is hard to give up a car, I have had that experience of having to sell a car that took me through some really good times and some not so good times, they are like old friends.

    God really is in charge, always keeping us close and helping us through. Good luck with the sale, I will keep you in my prayers.

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  27. I love the new header, Vee! Sweet memories for you. I'm glad that the Lord is taking care of you with the blessing of your father's car and the sale of your old one. I've not felt too sad at the change of cars, but I sure do miss my house in the woods at times.

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  28. Awww. Sweet story. How nice to have been gifted your dad's car. May you find much joy in your new car!

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  29. How wonderful to be gifted your Fathers car, so thoughtful. Always sad letting things go but a wonderful way to think. Beautiful header.

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  30. It was hard to let my mother's car go recently when it was time to replace it. I call it hers because she always was the driver--they got it after my dad had given up his license. I like your sister's approach and I'm trying to do that more when I think nostalgically of things in the past--being thankful for the good memories and how God has kept us.

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    1. Well I think that's the thing with this car. It was my mother's car first.

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  31. You are moving forward Vee. It is good to see and hear you tell about it. I adore your new Christmas header. I think it was the perfect choice. Your faith is such an inspiration!

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  32. So great that your Dad gifted that car to you - what a blessing! We always buy used vehicles and then keep them forever - thus get quite attached to them as well. I totally understand the feelings about your good old car! I am thankful that the farmer takes care of all the car/truck details as I would not be good at that either. Thank you for the sweet card you sent in the mail - you are so thoughtful!!!

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  33. How wonderful to have the gift of a newer car! I can't say I've ever been very attached to a vehicle, but when my trusty Nikon camera was deemed unrepairable due to water damage on the boat, I teared up at the camera shop. I'm sure the technician thought I was nuts because I patted the camera and said goodbye when I left. We are odd creatures, are we not?

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  34. God is so good! So happy for you. I can't begin to imagine trying to sell a car on my own. I love your sweet header too!

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  35. Blessings! And not in disguise. I admit to being sentimental over a few cars in my life, but only a few. By no means all of them! And I would not want to sell a car that way, either......

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  36. Aww Vee, there are so many memories tied into the vehicles we drive. When I think about the first car that we owned together or the first one that Terry had when we dated I feel happy. I'm so happy that God has given you such good friends and are caring for you in such practical ways. I would never manage to sell anything either.

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  37. Wonderful that you have a new to you car Vee that will be reliable for you. I'm glad you don't have to worry about selling your other car. God is good!

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  38. I'm so glad you let your friend take care of the selling for you. Don't need strangers coming to call at odd hours! Glad you got a car. They all look gray in the winter anyway!

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  39. So thankful you were safe driving in the freezing rain... know what you mean about the "sads" over a vehicle. We traded our ten year-old white minivan a couple of months back for another used minivan, only to get it back after we discovered there was a seal issue with the windshield of the one we traded for. After saying goodbye, we were happy to say hello to it and get reacquainted. ;) God has graciously seen fit that it has kept working even though we felt it was on its last leg. I pray the gray one, despite the color, will indeed be a blessing to you.

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