Last week was certainly a bad week for my 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. My vehicle became so risky to drive during that span of seven days before I went on vacation that I decided it would be best that I leave it in the shop to get completely repaired while I am out enjoying myself in the beautiful Maine. I know that while I am relaxed on the beach, I am going to be realizing how grateful I am for my baby no matter what she goes through. So, without further ado, here is a letter of appreciation to my Mercury Grand Marquis.

Dear Grand Marquis,

It's pretty crazy that I bought you just a little over a year ago already. You are the car I wanted so badly back then. I'm honestly not sure what was so appealing to me that made me desire you. It may have been because an old friend of mine used to have a car just like you and I always enjoyed the rides. Either way, there was something about you and I always said to myself that as soon as I can get rid of my old car (that was an absolute piece of crap, by the way), you will be my next car. And if it's not you, it will be a Ford Crown Victoria or a Lincoln Town Car. It had to be a car of that design.

Well, after I got t-boned with my old car, she didn't make it, but at least I did. Two weeks later, you replaced her and you have not disappointed me since (except for that one time your ball joint collapsed). Just like a lot of teenagers say about their cars, you've always been able to bring me from Point A to Point B, and you've always been a fun car to ride in. Not to mention that you've been reliable to me when I use you for work to deliver pizzas.

Your V8 engine is a bundle of pure joy - I absolutely love the sound you make when I rev your engine. Your cloth seats are comfortable enough so that I can last during those long road trips I may take. Your trunk is also extremely helpful to me with all of the space that you provide with it. In fact, I've had quite a few friends say that I could put a few bodies in there because there is so much room. But in all seriousness, I love knowing that I don't have to worry about putting too much inside my vehicle.

It's pretty crazy how far we've come in this one year together. I bought you with 97,000 miles on you and you're about to reach 110,000, so yeah, you're still pretty low in mileage for a year 2000 model. I'll bet it was because you were previously owned by an elderly person who did not drive so far. While I have to admit that I've always been somewhat nervous that you may be a bit more rusty because of it, I am also confident that with you under my belt, you will have lots of life left in you.

Even with the recent issues I've been having with you, I will make you stronger than ever. I will get your front end aligned for a smoother and straighter ride. I will have your turn signals fixed so you can tell others what way our adventure ahead lies. I will have your ball joint replaced so you do not collapse on me again. I will also have your AC blowing cool air so you can keep me comfortable.

I have heard that car models like you are able to last a long time with the right care and maintenance - it is a reason why police officers and cab drivers (just to name a couple of examples) still use Crown Victorias to this day. I promise that you will be no exception.

Thank you Grand Marquis. You are my baby.