Since Stella's engine broke down on the highway less than a year ago I've been reluctant to take her on long trips, lest something catastrophic should happen again. Mike has driven her alone much farther than we've driven her together--taking her as far as Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan. I guess I should probably have more faith in her--after all the engine is brand new and the previous engine lasted for 30+ years. Even still, I struggled for several days before finally deciding to drive her the 50 or so miles to my parents' house near Flint, where she had never been before.
It was a gorgeous Friday afternoon, not a cloud in the sky, and perfect weather for driving. And, just like my husband reassured me many times before, Stella did just what she was meant to do and she did it well. We made it to my parents' house without a hiccup.
I've been wanting to take her home so baldy for quite some time. I can't describe it, but there's something special about having her parked in the driveway where I used to play with sidewalk chalk as a child. Where I learned to ride a bike, where I was picked up and dropped off for school dances, and where I parked my first car. Home is where I first fell in love with sports cars, and not only Corvettes but Camaros, Mustangs, and especially Firebirds (which aren't even made anymore!). Looking out that living room window is where I saw my first Corvette Stingray, driven by a neighbor guy who lived two doors down from my parents. I remember dozens of times sitting on the couch and hearing that car coming, looking up and watching it creep past. I remember posing in front of it in my tennis skirt and polo one afternoon when he'd parked it in the street. It was a hideous color, but you can't hide beauty like that.
I felt sentimental, standing in the driveway taking pictures with my family. As I kid I had dreams. As an adult I drove one of my dreams back to this childhood place. That's what Stella is to me--a fulfillment of a dream. I hope that old Corvette makes my parents happy too, if only for that reason.
Mom and Dad saw Stella a few short weeks after Mike and I bought her, but my sister Kristen got to meet her for the first time during this visit!! :D I was very excited for her to see Stella in person, especially after giving me the lovely scrapbook for Christmas which I've enjoyed so much since. You can bet that these pictures will make it into those pages, and I can imagine looking back at them years from now, maybe with my own children someday.
Even Colby-Jack, my family's adorable cocker-spaniel, got a picture with Stella! Although I'm sure she was a little too noisy/smelly for his tastes! ;)
