Published: October 07, 2008 01:23 pm            

The Yield: A car brings happiness to many, including its owners

Originally published in the Oct. 3, 2008, print edition.

This summer when it came to work, we didn’t shirk. Now looking at the calendar this season’s fun is nearly done also.

“Work before play.” I’ve lived by that adage for years. Now that I’m retired it’s difficult to change from “I’ve just got to get this done” to “I can do it tomorrow.” I’m going to be more settled when our house is organized. Slowly, Stan, Gracie and I are learning how to live in our revamped home.

Little, it is snug and spacious. The walls removed makes it feel less crowded. The open rooms now gently lead into areas of dining, relaxing, office and kitchen.

My favorite gathering place is the dining area. I brought my antique oak table, chairs and China cabinet from the farm.

Stan and I purchased a leather love seat for Gracie, Stan and myself to watch TV. Comfortable gliding rockers finish the furnishings. One of the rockers was Pam’s, Stan’s wife who died of cancer. The other came from the farm. Larry would read the paper in it while I finished supper.

Our fun times have been surrounded by people and our curved-dash Oldsmobile. All winter we worked in the warmth and wood of Stan’s workshop.

We asked each other to be open to opportunities for the car to bring happiness to others.

Our calendar was filled with fun outings with the car. We were nervous, but people smiled and clapped at the parades.

Stan’s daughter and son-in-law, Ronnie and Terry, joined us at the Kiester farm show. They agreed to Stan’s request that they would drive the car in the parade and around the grounds after.

This time we were a part of the crowd. I enjoyed the little car sparkling in the sun as it came around the parade route corner. Quickly I gave Ronnie a “beauty queen slow-motion wave.” She laughed and waved back.

“They were so nice,” Terry said. “People stopped us on the grounds and we told them about.” It was special for me to get to know Ronnie and Terry.

Uncle Pep (Orville Krosch) and Aunt Loretta sent us an invitation to their 60th wedding anniversary. We both moaned seeing the date. It conflicted with our trip to the Forest City, Iowa, show and our display of the car.

“Why don’t we celebrate with them by taking our car to their farm and doing a photo shoot?”

We took Stan’s bowler hat and I took my wide-rimmed one for Aunt Loretta. I tied the hat under her chin with the white bridal veiling. They looked adorable. Loretta was a pretty bride, Uncle Pep looked dignified and proud.

Only one activity remained on the calendar, the farm show at Forest City, Iowa. We loaded the trailer and took off — careful that the car didn’t bounce around.

As we drove on the grounds the gate attendants gave thumbs up, smiles and “thank you for sharing your car with us.” We felt blessed.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Prov. 16:3

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.