Yesterday a friend called for help with a car that wouldn’t start. I hopped into my car and headed over to meet her. Diagnosis was dead battery. We had her up in running in under 5 minutes.
As I was driving home, my mind drifted back in time…to a memory… from the summer of 1985… I had just bought my first car. It was a 1975 VW Rabbit – neon green (the picture doesn’t do the color justice).
The day I brought it home, my dad came out to the driveway to take a look. The first thing he said to me was, “do you know how to change the tire?” I nodded yes. He said, “show me.” I proceeded to root through the trunk to find the jack and spare and got down on the ground to look for where the jack was supposed to be placed under the chassis. When I wasn’t sure of the next step, he gave me a little help. After about 15 minutes I had it jacked up, the nuts off and the tire changed. Dad inspected it and then said, “do you know how to jump start a dead battery?” I said no. He proceeded to open the hood and show me the basics, which I’ve carried with me through the years since and many a dead battery – including yesterday’s.
He also showed me how to check the fluids and change the oil and filter, which I did myself on my cars for many years.
Afterwards, he turned and walked back into the house.
My dad was a man of few words and little emotion. I didn’t understand him back then. With the help of time, I have come to appreciate his intentions. He just wanted to make sure I knew how to take care of myself. So far, so good 🙂
Thanks Dad!
P.s…. here’s a youtube link to a little CSNY that came to mind as I wrote this post.
Sheila365 