So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen...

You were a trusted, steady, steed.  You were our first major purchase as a married couple.  You took us across state lines as we accepted a new adventure, and you bore through snow like you were made for it when we endured our first Iowa snow (14 inches)... 

 You never put up a fit and you were always strong and reliable.  You safely carried home our wee ones from the hospital, and we had to spell out your name whenever we spoke of you in front of Stella...oh, how she loved you; probably the most of all... 

Our family piled in you for lazy drives and trips to get ice cream.  We loaded you down for holiday travel and family vacations... 

You expertly put crying babies to sleep and we cranked your sound system when the kids demanded to listen to Elmo...

Mr. J packed you with lumber, tools, and hardware as we remodeled our home. Later, as he pursued various artistic endeavors, you were needed to bear the load. You are more than 'just a car'... 

You were a part of our family.  You gave it a good run.  We said we would drive you until we couldn't anymore, until you were beyond repair.  And we did.  You accomplished a lot in your thirteen-year-life...

So, adieu old friend...