Bella’s Story

On May 25, 2002, I got my first new car. I needed a car for the next phase of my college adventure and Honda was offering too-good-to-pass-up deals. I selected a silver, 4-door model and was just about ready to sign the paperwork. My parents asked me if I was sure that was the one I wanted. I said yes, and as I looked out towards the lot I said, “Though I wish the 2-door option was part of the special.”

Well, it turns out that the salesman heard me say that. And it turns out that the 2-door option was part of the special. I was so excited – I could hardly believe it! We were searching for a sensible, affordable car. I never imagined I’d be able to afford what, at the time, was definitely a dream car for me!

A short while later, I drove off the lot in a brand-new, 2-door white Honda Accord. It had less than 3 dozen miles on it and I felt like big important stuff driving that car. Big important stuff that was also terrified of something happening to my shiny new car…

I immediately christened the car Isabella, which was just as quickly shortened to Bella. I remember the first couple of days I had her, I’d peer out the side door window, still in a bit of disbelief that the gorgeous white vehicle in the driveway was mine.

Oh what a time we’ve had! Bella was the car that took me to Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and took me to my first grown-up job. We spent my 20s exploring Atlanta together. We grew up together, in a way.

She fit me like a glove and driving her was just second nature. As the years passed, so did the miles. I remember 10,000 miles, 50,000 miles and the big one – 100,000 miles. Mike and I were traveling back from our Engaged Encounter retreat in Tennessee, yet another milestone I shared with my beloved car.

I transitioned from girlfriend to fiancée to wife and, recently, mother. I knew that Bella wasn’t going to be ideal for a baby, but I was sure we’d find a way to make it work. Though outwardly skeptical, secretly I thought to myself that I’d find a way to make my car work and prove everyone wrong.

My secret thoughts didn’t come to fruition. It was almost impossible for me to get L.J. into Bella’s backseat. And when we did get him in there, we couldn’t keep the car seat base as secure as it needed to be. I was angry and frustrated that it wasn’t going to work.

Knowing that we couldn’t afford a second new car (we’d just bought our CR-V a year ago), Mike and I effectively switched cars. He drove Bella to/from work and L.J. and I used the CR-V. It wasn’t ideal – Mike was driving a car loudly sporting its UGA allegiance to his job at a different university, not to mention he frequently totes colleagues and superiors around campus. But we made it work.

I’m going to sound like an utter and complete dork here, but oh well. Remember Toy Story 2? Jessie the cowgirl was once a beloved companion and as her owner grew up and moved into a new phase in life, she felt abandoned and forgotten. I sort of feel like Bella feels that way about me. I hope that she knows how much I cherish our memories together and how much I still dearly love her!

Recently, my parents announced that they were planning to purchase a new car. They were incredibly gracious and offered to give us their Odyssey in exchange for my Accord. (They’ll sell the Accord) It really was the perfect situation and an offer too good to pass up. Their Odyssey is more of a dame than a damsel in years, but it’s in mint condition and should work very well for us. How they came about the van is a pretty cool story in and of itself, but this post is already long enough.

This past weekend, six months after becoming parents, Mike and I officially joined the Minivan Club. Though it was very hard to give up my beloved Accord, I am thrilled that we were able to secure a family-friendly car without being saddled with an extra car payment. What a blessing!

Thanks Mom and Dad!! We’ll take good care of the van!!

(Please find a good home for Bella – someone who will love her as much as I did…sniff…)

(Let’s all pretend you can’t see my pasty white legs from space…)