Goodbye Betty!

*Sigh* Long ago, in a dealership lot not too far away, there lived a cute little mint green Honda Civic named Betty. Though, it would have been a more appropriate name had she been a Ford, but I digress. Her name was Betty, Betty Civic and she was perfect!

I was 18 and looking to buy my first car. I had brought my mechanic (brother) and my negotiator (father) and I was pretty sure I'd found the perfect first car for me. Not too dumpy, not too flashy and just within my price range. And she was mine, all mine.

Betty hailed from Pleasantville, NJ, which I thought was just awesome; how cool to have a car from a town called Pleasantville! Only the best cars are "born" there. Yes, Betty and I were perfect together. We road tripped several times and even survived some rough patches together, "I'm so sorry, Betty, I didn't understand the concept of coolant and learned an expensive lesson in engine replacement." But you stood by me anyway and we had some good times.

Then came the inevitable, marriage, kids and the need for a new, bigger car. Something that would allow more distance between the front and backseats and perhaps a nice soundproof barrier between them. I found that car, but she doesn't compare to you, Betty. No one could ever really replace you. In fact, it took me 5 months to finally come to terms with the fact that it was time to let you go find a new home. And a couple of weekends ago, you did. *sniff*

On the bright side, your new owner already loves you. You are her first car also and I'm thrilled that she's going to become attached to you the same way I did. The circle of auto-life, so to speak. I'll miss you, thanks for being fabulous, and may you enjoy your new home!

My friend Sherise posing with Betty on our first road trip.