We all have that old high school friend. More often than not, this is a person who has impacted your life in some way: has endured tough times and stuck beside us. Today, I would like to pay a tribute to a dear friend that holds a special place in my heart: my good friend, Charlie.
Charlie is the best traveling buddy. He always helps me get where I need to go, no matter how close or how far. Charlie always reminds me when to stop to get gas and to turn my car lights off before I get out. The best part about traveling with Charlie is that we like the same music, so we never argue about changing the song. In fact, the only thing that Charlie and I ever disagree on is when the passenger side window should be rolled down.
Charlie is the most loyal and patient of friends. He always waits for me, even when I don't ask him to. Without judgment, Charlie suffered through learning how to parallel park along with me and even helped me learn how to change a flat tire after running over a nail. Through many experiences like these, Charlie helped me to be more independent.
Charlie and I accept each other’s quirks. Whether singing Taylor Swift or crying because I’ve had a bad day, he always takes my ups and downs in stride. Even when Charlie gets a little cranky when the weather changes, I love him all the same. I know that rain or shine, I can always count on Charlie. No matter how dark a time might appear, Charlie always shines through, and even though he might seem a little rough around the edges, Charlie is a softy with a heart of gold.
Charlie is 18 years old and has moved three times. He is sporty and loves the outdoors. Though he has a few scratches and bruises, Charlie is a tough guy. Whether trekking up a mountain or trudging through the snow, he's up for any adventure. Charlie’s favorite color is green and he enjoys driving with the windows down while jamming to music on summer days. Charlie also loves stickers and supporting his favorite sports teams. He always has room for new friends, and much like myself, though he’s always functional and ready to have fun, Charlie can be a bit disorganized at times. As with most friends, there comes a point when ways must be parted.
Sadly the time for Charlie and I to go our separate ways came far too rapidly. As much sorrow as the thought of our departure brings me, I am thankful for all the good times that we had together. So thanks, Charlie, for being the best car a girl could ever dream of. Even though I drive a new car now, you, my 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 4-wheel drive, will always have a special place in my heart and can never ever be replaced.
This is for all the cute, quirky, hand-me-down first cars that we all love so much. May they never be forgotten.
