On any normal day this thread title would make me gasp and want to go off on a 5 minute rant about people's lack of respect for other's property, but I wanted to share a recent meeting with the club.
It was a little on the hot side for my liking yesterday after work but wanted to get a run in before my fiancée got home, so I jumped in the snake and went to one of my local trails for a bit. Parking is usually good and the lot is right near a manned ranger post. When I got back from my lap, there was a couple and their two kids talking and checking out the car, I hit the keyfob to disarm and they turned around and said hello. I figured it would be the usual 'Hi, nice car, what is it?, etc...' type conversation and be on my way.
We swap introductions and they introduce me to their son Nathan. Nathan is 8 years old and is gradually losing his vision due to his battle with CP.
The little guy was just filled with energy and spirit when I saw him and looked to be glad to be outside. Nathan, his father mentions, is in love with cars and wants to be a race car driver when he grows up 
So what does this have to do with the car? After a few minutes of talking, Nathan asked if he could touch the car . His father gave me the 'OMG, how can I let him down easy" look. I told him 'Sure, but you have to give it back when you're done, ok?"
Let me tell you, i am still not sure which was more priceless the look on Nathan's face or his parents, LOL. We double-checked him for any rocks or dirt on his hands and off he went, he must have ran his fingers over the body and front 10 times. The sheer enjoyment on his face made the hours of detailing that i need to do worth it, IMHO. His favorite part were the side fins. By this point there were a few more people stopping to take pictures, so i started it up for fun. While it was warming up and Nathan and his sister were dancing in the side exhaust air, LOL , their mother was telling me how she had quit her accounting job a few years ago to be a full time stay at home mom and that they really appreciated the 10 or so minutes and that this really made not only Nathan's day but theirs as well.
I know we all value our cars and treat them differently, but in my opinion yesterday was what its all about. At the end of the day, its just a car. I don't care if its a Ferrari, Lambo, Pagani, etc.. its just a car! If you can make someone's day, especially a child (more so a sick child!) then why not do it? I was very humbled by the meeting and just wanted to share it
It was a little on the hot side for my liking yesterday after work but wanted to get a run in before my fiancée got home, so I jumped in the snake and went to one of my local trails for a bit. Parking is usually good and the lot is right near a manned ranger post. When I got back from my lap, there was a couple and their two kids talking and checking out the car, I hit the keyfob to disarm and they turned around and said hello. I figured it would be the usual 'Hi, nice car, what is it?, etc...' type conversation and be on my way.
We swap introductions and they introduce me to their son Nathan. Nathan is 8 years old and is gradually losing his vision due to his battle with CP.
The little guy was just filled with energy and spirit when I saw him and looked to be glad to be outside. Nathan, his father mentions, is in love with cars and wants to be a race car driver when he grows up So what does this have to do with the car? After a few minutes of talking, Nathan asked if he could touch the car . His father gave me the 'OMG, how can I let him down easy" look. I told him 'Sure, but you have to give it back when you're done, ok?"Let me tell you, i am still not sure which was more priceless the look on Nathan's face or his parents, LOL. We double-checked him for any rocks or dirt on his hands and off he went, he must have ran his fingers over the body and front 10 times. The sheer enjoyment on his face made the hours of detailing that i need to do worth it, IMHO. His favorite part were the side fins. By this point there were a few more people stopping to take pictures, so i started it up for fun. While it was warming up and Nathan and his sister were dancing in the side exhaust air, LOL , their mother was telling me how she had quit her accounting job a few years ago to be a full time stay at home mom and that they really appreciated the 10 or so minutes and that this really made not only Nathan's day but theirs as well.
I know we all value our cars and treat them differently, but in my opinion yesterday was what its all about. At the end of the day, its just a car. I don't care if its a Ferrari, Lambo, Pagani, etc.. its just a car! If you can make someone's day, especially a child (more so a sick child!) then why not do it? I was very humbled by the meeting and just wanted to share it
great story, you are absolutely right.
