Last weekend’s post was a bit intense, and it took me a while to write, so today’s is a bit shorter and lighter. Please enjoy!
A few months ago I went to a car wash, and behind me pulled up a brand spankin’ new Corvette convertible. An older gentleman stepped out and I went over to complement him on his ride. We ended up chatting for some time, and he shared with me that he had recently retired, and that a car like this was a dream of his. You could see the excitement and joy in his eyes as he spoke about the car.
On my drive home, in my very modest Toyota that I loved, I reflected on my conversation the man. I was initially very excited for him as we spoke, but it occurred to me that it was a shame that he had waited so long in order to enjoy his dream car. I thought about my own dream car, and I realized that I was basically on the same path. When would I ever get my dream car?
My dream car was cemented in place after growing up reading car magazines, watching car TV shows, and playing car video games. I was obsessed. For me, the pinnacle of the gentleman’s sports car was the Porsche 911. I figured I would maybe have a chance to get one during my mid-life crisis, as many men did apparently, but when was that exactly? I then remembered I wasn’t like other men.
Wouldn’t it be better if I got the car sooner, so that I could enjoy the car with my family and friends? The notion seemed initially absurd, given the challenges of acquiring such a car, but I couldn’t let go of the thought. It started innocently with some online perusing, and then got more serious as I discussed the idea with my wife. Knowing that this was a genuine life goal for me, she was incredibly supportive. Her requests were that it was a convertible, and that it fit a rear facing car seat. I did some research online and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I wasn’t the only one dreaming of driving his family around in one of the most exhilarating sports cars on the planet. I don’t know precisely when it happened, but at some point this absurd dream became a goal that I knew I would manifest.
Fast forward to Christmas, and after a kind referral and some number crunching, one thing lead to another, and Santa brought me my dream car. Taking delivery of the car was the third happiest day of my life, after my wedding and the birth of my son. I mean look at my smile!
The weather was beautiful last Sunday, so we took advantage of the opportunity and went out cruising as a family. We packed the frunk with the essentials, including a stroller and a diaper bag.
Strapped in the car seat and our smiling 10 month old.
And then had an absolute blast as a family.
I’m glad I didn’t wait until the end of my life to realize this dream. I have been the king of delayed gratification my whole life. I’ve always believed in sacrificing today in order to build the security of tomorrow, but my mindset has shifted a bit with Luca. Tomorrow isn’t necessarily guaranteed, and I want to maximize the value of my time with him. I am excited to share my love of cars and driving with Luca as he grows up. I can’t wait until he is older and can sit in a forward facing seat and giggle as we go zooming over the hills.
Life is short. Buy the convertible.