For the past few days my parents have been in Missouri with my grandparents. Tonight I picked them up from the airport and drove us all down to Orem. Being able to do that is just one example of why I’m so grateful for my car.

I bought my car from my parents when I went back to college after my mission in 2019. She’s a 2004 Honda Accord and has been fantastic. Because she’s old, we’ve definitely had some problems and there are times when I don’t appreciate her because I have to spend $450 to fix the ignition switch or her tire blows out in the middle of nowhere Montana, but we’ve made it through. I’ve been able to get groceries in the middle of winter, drive to visit my parents and Hannah when I’ve wanted to, and commute to a job that’s 40 minutes away. I can drive through the mountains with the windows down and music up when I need to clear my head and get away from the city. I’ve made 11pm ice cream runs and 6am grocery trips without having to worry about creepy people on public transportation. Having my car has given me freedom I didn’t even know I needed. We’ve been through a lot, the Fire Queen and I, and I’m thankful she’s in my life.