Being a 2000 model, not everything was perfect, and I always knew that. The majority of the time I drove you, you had no air conditioning. My only salvation being in South Florida was to put all of my windows down, drive fast, and let my hair down. And I loved every second of it (even if my friends didn't). Your doors didn't always lock either, and I had to constantly remind anyone sitting in the passenger seat, "Lock the door!" Most of the time the response was a very annoyed, "I did!"

And yes, you were a station wagon. It took me a while to get used to your look, but once I added some stickers and you were mine, I didn't want any other car. People laughed and wondered how I could get so attached to something that wasn't a shiny, fancy car. I always smiled and defended you kindly. And most importantly, you started every time I put my key in the ignition — every single time. You never failed me, not even once.

Thank you for hauling me and my friends around, for driving me to high school and to my first job. Thank you for so many memories, happy and sad. You provided my independence, and sometimes, when I needed it, my escape. We took trips down A1A sometimes to drive and see the beach, blasting any music I was feeling at the time. I think those were my favorite times with you.Thank you for being my first car. Thank you for giving me independence I never knew was possible. Thank you for so much happiness and protection. I am sorry that it had to end like this. I am sorry that I didn't wait one more minute before heading home that night. But, thank you for saving my life. You were 17 years old, and your airbags still deployed. Your seatbelt still held me tight when we got hit. Everything could have gone so much worse than it did.

Thank you, my 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon. I will love you and remember you forever. I wish that I could have you back, but I can't. All I can do is hope that my next car will do for me what you did.