Why I Love My Car With A Story | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

The Shirl—that’s what we call her. Named after Shirley Royer, my great grandmother. This lumbering yet stately 1999 maroon Buick Century, shared with my older brother, carries us the two hundred miles between our hometown and Cal Poly. The car itself is certainly no feast for the eyes, it’s giant, the color is ghastly, and it certainly isn’t a cute college car, but that is perhaps what we love about it most. It is efficient and practical, classic, vintage, and most importantly, holds significant nostalgic value for us.

It seems odd for young college kids to be driving such a car. Plenty of college students drive beater cars, yet none can top our Buick. Most are shocked to see that this car could belong to anyone other than an 80 year old man. It’s rather ironic.

With its ability to pack up to eight people this car is always the go-to for road trips. We call it the “couch on wheels” -- comfortable, safe, reliable, and still sporting it’s extremely dated bench seating and worn down, beige leather interior. A timeless beauty. Our friends don’t really get the joke though, and find it rather laughable that my brother and I actually drive this car around. But what they don’t know is what sentimental value it holds for my family.

The nostalgia is really what makes us love and appreciate this car. It belonged to our beloved great grandparents, Bill and Shirley Royer, prior to their deaths in 2011 and 2013. Because my great grandmother, Shirley died so suddenly and unexpectedly, she didn’t get to clean out the car, as I’m sure she would have preferred. We found small trinkets she had left behind in the car, including an old pair of her gloves, a mix tape, and a “Vote for Bill Royer” pin and business cards, saved from when my great grandfather was a Congressman. I always find it rather humbling to drive this car around knowing I am holding on to a small piece of my great grandparents. I don’t take the time to share the stories of my great-grandparents with enough people.

A car is a car, and while I don’t have a cute shiny white sedan to zip around the streets of San Luis Obispo, I have a car with a story.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1777
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1526
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1191
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments