Ode to Pedro the Second

You've been part of our family since 1998.
You've logged 150,000+ miles and you're tired.
But, oh, the places you've been.

You've driven the country: twice to Maine, twice to Colorado, twice to Boston, countless times to Michigan and Wisconsin, across New York many times, and all over the Chicago area.

You were patient when Kevin used you to learn to drive. When David occasionally drove you to the high school you, as he, were not embarrassed to be the only mini-van in a sea of stylish SUVs.

And, oh, the people you've carried: teenage boys with their friends and dates, our whole family together with three grandparents, a car full of "Club 62ers" on their way to a day of shopping in Michigan City.

You were often loaded down. You moved David into Northwestern dorms in '99 and '00, then to an apartment in '01. You repeated the Northwestern dorm and apartment runs a few years later with Kevin. You carried timpani from the junior high to Ascension on many "high" holidays. You carried umpteen soft cases filled with marimba pieces over and over and over again....in fact, just a few days ago you did it for the last time. And let's not forget how many times you carried the kayaks to the Skokie Lagoons or to North Lake!

And, oh, the joys you've shared. Who took us to high school and college graduations? Who took us to Chautauqua for Kevin's first (and second) major summer festival? Who drove us to David and Lisa's wedding loaded down with centerpieces and gifts? Who took Kevin to graduate school? Who has taken visiting family and friends all over the city? Who took young boys fishing. You did, Pedro! Thanks!

Yes, you're just a car, but a lot has happened in the 11 years you've been part of the family!
You'll be missed.

Pedro the Third will begin a new adventure by taking Kevin to California in a couple of weeks. Hope he's up for marimbas, bikes, and percussionists!