Dear Murry the Murano,

I remember the first time we met. It was 2004 and I was 8 years old at my Gammama’s house in Birmingham, Alabama. You were beautiful and brand new. I was so excited to ride in a car that gave me enough room to breathe while sitting in between my siblings. I remember looking to my little sister and saying, “I want a car just like this one someday”. My siblings and I always loved to play a game called “what color is the car?” because it seemed impossible to get it right. You possess that weird green, bronze, gold color that has yet to be correctly labeled.

I remember always getting excited when we were together because it always meant I was going to get a new Webkinz or getting Oreo ice cream with Gammama and Poppy.

I had nothing but happy memories with you.

Fast forwarding to 2012, you took on a bigger role in my life. We had been through a long distance relationship the past couple of years due to my busy life, but this was the start of something new. It was at my 16th birthday party at Maggiano’s Little Italy. I had been thinking a lot about you recently.

We had just finished eating dinner when my dad said he had a surprise for me. I was blindly lead down the stairs of the restaurant and out the door. My dad finally told me to open my eyes. There you were. You were even more beautiful than the first day I met you. You had a big red bow on your hood and sparkled from a new wax. I began to cry of joy that you and I could be together for forever now. We could now spend every day together.

Since that day you have been the best car anyone could have asked for. You have protected me through a fender bender with a mean old Russian lady, the car crash with my mom, and a few sleepy moments at the wheel on late night drives. You have given me countless memories with my friends on road trips to different states. You have been a trooper through all the spills and crumbs. You never complain. You count each mile I put on you as another memory together.

I am so lucky to still have you by my side after 5 years together. So Happy 5 Year Anniversary Murray. I promise I will try harder to keep you cleaner this year. I’m excited about the memories we have ahead of us together.

Love,

Christina