Wat da Wat?

There were two milestones in the family this weekend and both have something to do with cars, the All-American symbol of independence and spirit. The first milestone involves my wife and the second milestone involves the prodigal son.

Let me talk about the first milestone since I am somewhat involved. My wife’s company purchased a car for her for business and personal use. Her company bought a luxury SUV because the people she deals with are people who are very conscious about money and the appearance of money. Here’s the best part, after 3 years, she gets to keep the SUV.

I am somewhat involved because for the first time in my life I had the opportunity to drive a luxury vehicle. While I really didn’t show too much excitement, I was all giddy inside. I was like a little kid on Christmas morning. When I drove the SUV around, I can feel all the materialistic, superficial pride ozing out of me.

I know that the vehicle is not mine, but for at least one day, I can pretend to be rich. For one day, I can get away from my middle class, Honda Civic driving self.  As I drive on the Chicago’s Eisenhower Expressway, with the sun roof open, the wife on the passenger side, and the two youngest on the back enjoying looking at the clouds, I said to myself, “how can one man be this lucky.” I’m driving an awesome car, I have a beautiful woman next to me and I can hear the laughter of two of the cutest kids in the world. Life is definitely good!

Now the second milestone also involves an automobile. Following behind me on the expressway is the prodigal son with his new car. Yes, my son, purchased his own car this weekend. With his purchased, he gained his membership to the American Debtors Club. He is now a proud owner of a car note.

I just hope that his first big purchased will teach him the real value of hard work and money. I hope that he doesn’t fall into the trap that many Americans fall into, which is to incur more debt. With his purchase he will certainly think twice before eating out everyday. He will also be mindful of buying things because they look cool and not because they are functional.

I know that the prodigal son feels the same way as his mother and me when it comes to the obvious symbolism of his purchase. He is now a man who can execute huge responsibility without the aid of his parents. If his automobile purchase doesn’t make him feel like an adult, in his parents eyes, he is certainly on his way of being one.

The best part of this whole car buying thing is that he made a comment that he may regret later on. Since he was feeling euphoric about his new ride, his adult sensibility stated that he will eventually help us buy a bigger home for the family and that in a few years, he will give his car to his brother, the guy in the middle. (Here it is son, in black and white. I just documented what you said for all the entire world to see. Now you really have to make good on your statement.)

It is apparent that I am making light of this important event. But the undeniable fact is that the automobile again has played an important role in an American family. I am sure that the same scenario has been enacted across the landscape of American driveways. The car has helped our nation expand, and it has shaped our American identity. This weekend, the automobile surely worked its magic again.

Now all we need to do is find a way to keep feeding our car addiction with clean renewable energy so that we can continue our automobile love affair.