Caitlan got out of her Urban Planning class at 9:30, and by the time I got down the hill from picking her up, Xena was already in pajamas... but she came out to Grace to say goodbye, all the same. We all got in, one last time, and toasted her and all she'd done for us.
She brought Xena to the gas station I was working at –once– and I lept at the chance to get to know my future wife.
Her first 4th of July parade was 1985, carrying Olympic Kayaks. Her last was here in Alameda, in 2000.
Xena drove her to 4 National canoe and kayak competitions.
Her seats fold flat enough that she's comfortable for sleeping in.
Xena broke the parking break cable three times... then stopped using it.
Grace brought Caitlan home from the hospital.
Two-year-old Caitlan started her with a house key and drove her at an idle in a trailer park.
She was our "good car" for years, taking all four of us all over the state. She took us skiing, to the desert, on night drives, to Albuquerque, up and down mountains, back and forth to parents and in-laws, to school and work... Grace will retire with 172K miles driven on 2 water pumps, 3 timing belts, and one engine.
Nicholas and Caitlan both flavored the seat belt webbing with their saliva, and then later sucked on that sweet salty "goodness." (bleah)
Nicholas helped me decorate her as "Drive With Grace."
She was in two Art Car Parades, in 2001 and 2003.
We're the only family she's ever served, and we're really grateful. Thanks God, for such a great tool that enabled such richness in our lives.
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