I am my mother’s automobile…
This week we did some switching around with the cars in the Pombo household. Before Jon drove back to college, his Saturn bit the dust—it leaked in places that aren’t supposed to have leaks. The hunt for a “new” car ended up being a “new” car for me. Mark—my sweet hubby—gifted his Subaru to Jon, Mark kept the Taurus, and voilà—Connie got a “new” car.
Hold your breath…it’s not what you think. I don’t know about you, but I always thought of a Buick as a car for “older” people; you know, card-carrying AARP members. My mom has a Buick and I love sitting in the front seat with its walnut-paneled interior, soft leather seats, spacious leg room, and its lofty ride. But my mom is 76 years old—she deserves a Buick!
And then it happened…
My precious hubby called with the news, “We’re going to have a Buick!” I hadn’t heard him that excited since he called the “Laboratorio Analisi Clinica”—from a pay phone—in Taormina, Italy to get my pregnancy results. I captured his expression on film when he whipped around and mouthed the words, “I’m going to be a Papa!”
Mark took me to see our new “baby.” She was beautiful: pearly white exterior with leather-warmed seats, wood-grained interior, rain-sensing windshield, concert sound system, and side-impact airbags—the only thing missing was a handicapped placard!
We picked up the “new” car on Friday and found the owner reluctant to depart with “her.” There was auctioning of the check until he finally surrendered and said, “Go ahead—just take her!”
As we scooted out the door, he motioned us back and whispered, “Remember she doesn’t like the sun, the rain or the snow.” Poor thing, she must have spent her entire life in the garage! We gave the thumbs-up sign and hollered back, “We’ll take good care of her—don’t you worry.”
As I drove home, I had a bit of a reality check mixed with nostalgia. I am my mother in so many ways: I have her breast cancer, her bad hip, her flat feet, her laugh, and now I have my mother’s car!
I thought of all the lessons I learned while sitting in the front seat of Mom’s Buick—flashbacks of those life-changing moments and “chunkets” of wisdom: “you make your own happiness; love is spelled t-i-m-e; marriage is for life—for better or for worse; remember to check the fluids in the car (my dad’s a mechanic); this is always your home; I don’t have favorites—each of you is my favorite (I’m the middle child!); pick out what you want—I’ll pay for it; if I do something for one of you, I have to do it for all three of you; money isn’t important, but memories last forever; friends will fail you, but God never fails….
I felt a tear trickle down my cheek as I rounded the corner to the driveway—I was finally home! As I pulled the keys out of the ignition, I realized one more thing my mom and I have in common—a Buick.
I parked the Buick on Monday and had an opportunity to interview Allison on Living Life Passionately. Be sure to check it out! And don’t miss the rest of Allison’s BLOG tour for her new book, ONE LITTLE SECRET.
14 Comments
Oh Connie, I roared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the line Mark said, “Honey we’re going to have a buick!” And the picture of when you guys found out you were having a baby - too funny! You guys crack me up!
What is it with buicks? My grandfather has one and when he found out my teenager wanted to buy a car he offered it to him. Jared politely refused and we picked up a Jeep last week. Jim and Jared tried it out off road with Joel and I in the backseat - wow - what an adventure!
And then Jim’s mom has a buick too! Jim teases about the “old person” car. He’s trying to talk his mom into either a convertible or a Hummer (who do you think wants to borrow it?) Don’t think she’s going for it. She’s been a buick owner for many years.
Anyhow, sounds nice with the leather seats and all. I’ll send you the handicap sign, okay? (Just teasing)
On a serious note, I love the precious memories you shared about your mom. She is a wise woman! Great post my friend!
Loved the sweet thoughts about your mom. You’re right - it’s funny when we start to see our moms in ourselves! But I also got a chuckle out of this because I drive a gold Buick Regal and sorry, but I just hate that car (it hasn’t been kind to me of late)! Of course my mom drives a big Buick - scary!!
Susan,
Being so far away from family (3,000 miles), it’s nice to know that Mom is right beside as I drive (I talk to her while I’m in the car these days). But I do get some stares, and in the Giant parking lot the other day, an 80-year-old man tried to buy her wheels right underneath me! A car is just a car, but this is a “memory” and if I can’t have my mom living in PA, this is the next best thing! As far as wisdom, my mom wrote the “Blue Book.” Tell Jared to enjoy his Jeep–he’s not ready for a Buick (smile!). Oh, did I tell you…it comes equipped with a “Send Help” sign.
Hugs!
Dianne,
Problems with a Buick?!?! We have a Park Avenue and our mechanic said (after her first well-baby check-up), “She will outlive all of you.” And then he went on to say, “She’s the ‘George Burns’ of Buicks!” Maybe I should just call her “Gracie.” Funny thing, I said, “I would never own a Buick!” I’m like my mom…I’m making memories!
Hugs (keep me updated with the Regal’s problems!)
very funny. my husband drives a Buick LaSabre, he has for years. He got it because he is a realtor and back then (92,000 miles ago) realtors had to take clients in their cars. Now they tend to meet them at the properties. But he got it because he looks younger than he is and I think he wanted to project a more “mature” image!
Keri,
Sadly, I think we are “defined” by the cars that we drive (isn’t that strange?). My son said, “Yep, you and Dad are ready for a Buick!” But I have to tell you…this isn’t my mother’s Buick! I just posted a new picture (Mom and Dad in Japan with their new car!). My dad was in the Air Force for the first three years of my life (yes…I was an AF brat; I never liked that term).
Hugs!
Oh Connie, not so much mechanical problems but people bumping, hitting, bashing the poor ole’ Buick gal lately! Otherwise, she’s been a good car. But I told my husband my next car has to be a hot red one! There are too many tan Regals in this world, that look just like the Buick Century and too many elderly people have mistaken it for theirs!! I’ve met some nice people in the parking lot!
What is it about Buicks though?
Phew! I was getting nervous. I’m not sure what the deal is with Buicks, but the “senior” citizens love them (smile!). I see that Tiger Woods is doing commercials for them, so maybe they’re trying to change their image?! My son, the marketing guru at Grove City says, “Mom, it’s all about the brand. Buick is synonymous with reliability, dependability, and value!” Makes sense to me!
Okay, maybe I was a bit rough on the “buicks”. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought except for my car sensitive hubby (knows all the brands and likes to work on cars, etc.) I know nothing about cars. Anyhow, I always enjoyed riding in my Pappy’s car, it was a smooth ride. Sorry all you Buick owners, I hope I haven’t offended anyone. Go Buicks!!!!!!!!!!
Connie,
I have to laugh because I literally drive my MIL’s Buick - equipped with a handicapped license plate. Even though she doesn’t drive anymore, she couldn’t bear to part with it so I sold my car and drive her around in hers.
BTW - you have an award on Bold & Free.
Let’s see…we are what we drive? Hmmm…that would explain the VW Beetle I drive. Short, round…always full of gas.
Good article, as always!
Susan,
That’s okay…I’m still getting used to the idea myself, but once inside I forget all about the name, “Buick” and just enjoy the ride!
Hugs!
Jan,
You made me cry–the Bold and Free Award! What an awesome honor. You made my day–thank you! I think we need to start a Boomer Buick Club–frequently road miles!
Hugs!
Georgia,
How did I know that’s what you drove–BW Beetle–fits you perfectly. Let me guess…the color yellow (as in sunflower)? Thanks for bringing sunshine into my day and into the lives of all of us by your wit, humor, and zest for life!
Hugs,
Connie