Rest in Peace, Al.

I've owned 2 vehicles in the last 30 years. I drive 'em for a long time, and take good care of them! My first was a '77 Chevy Impala, which I finally got rid of after 200,000 miles or so. I currently drive an '87 Ford pickup truck. 240,000+ miles, so far. I'm going for 300,000!!

Why am I telling you this?

In all these years of maintaining my 2 vehicles, I've had the same mechanics. Al was a darling man who had 4 sons who would help him after school at his garage. It was an old garage, 2 big doors, no air conditioning, cold beer in the 'fridge - on Main Street, no less. I always felt welcome, and never once had the thought that I might not be getting a good deal cuz I was a girl.

Al retired. One son, Tommy, and his boy now run the garage. They moved a few blocks away, but I still can walk in there knowing I am always welcome and will get the best old-fashioned service around along with friendship and respect that grows stronger each year. Still no AC, nothing fancy, just good service and good people. My dad takes his vehicles there, too, and he is always treated with respect and kindness.

Al died last week, from Alzheimer's disease. The last 6 years had been rough on his family as he slipped further and further away. The funeral was lovely, as they remembered all the wonderful things about Al and his boys and their families, and his wife of 61 years.

I'm not one to get real dressed up for anything, but figured I might need to find a skirt or 'something appropriate' for the funeral yesterday. I didn't find anything, and figured the most appropriate thing to wear was anything that I was comfortable in, since I was always comfortable around Al. God doesn't care what you wear to funerals, and I know Al and his family didn't, either. I wore jeans.

Al was a 'blue jean' kinda guy, strong and sturdy and durable and always reliable. God Bless you, Al, and your family. Say hi to mom, if you get a chance!!