Hi Guys,
I am giving you a sliver of family history by relating to you certain events in my life with the purpose of passing on to you what I have learned. This is my way of sharing wisdom from grandparents — through stories, not lectures.
I have two car stories to tell you – well, they are not actually car stories – but the car is the central figure.
The first story is about a Mercedes Benz roadster that was given to me by an old treasured friend. That happened because when her husband died – she didn’t know what to do with his car. She gave it to her daughter who neglected it. It saddened my friend greatly to see that her beautiful car was being so forgotten.
She asked me if I would treasure it as her husband did, and I enthusiastically responded “yes”. That moment taught me something about self growth and self esteem — knowing what you value and saying yes to it without hesitation.
When I picked it up from her daughters – it was a very sad looking automobile. It was filthy – tires were almost flat, etc.
Well Guys, I drove it home – and shortly after began work on it. Spent long pleasant hours cleaning, polishing, renewing the leather – had new tires put on, etc. That was my own little self improvement journey — taking something neglected and making it beautiful again.
The car looked pretty dang good when it was finished.
And now the story really begins………………………….
I read in our local newspaper that there was a “Show & Tell” event put on by the Portland Mercedes club. I thought it would be good to look at the beautiful cars being exhibited. On my way to the parking area for the show goers – I passed by a check point the club had set up. Because I was driving a pretty good looking (now) Mercedes – the folks at the entrance thought I was a member of the club – and waved me in to the exhibition area.
Big Mistake!
So, I drove in – not knowing what to expect. That is the importance of curiosity in life — saying “let’s see what happens” instead of turning around.
There was a large semi-circle of beautiful automobiles – all set for the public to admire.
I saw an empty spot, so I parked right amongst them. The club members were too polite to ask if I was a member. They probably assumed I was a new member who they had not yet met.
Then I noticed that each car had a placard on the dashboard which identified the year, the model and the owner of the vehicle.
At the same time I noticed that – a club official came up to me and said, “You don’t have a placard on your dash”. I acted surprised-and then he said, “They should have given one when you entered. Here, I will fix you up”
So he filled out the form, and now I was ‘legal’. – – — I had a placard on my dash.
I walked around – admired the cars, and visited with the owners; and had a grand time. This is emotional intelligence and curiosity working together — being open, friendly, and enjoying the moment without overthinking.
Then, someone passed the word that the dealership was giving lunch to all the car exhibitors. So, I went to lunch – and still no one asked if I was a member. Such polite people!
At one point, I was approached by one of the club members and asked if I was going to show my car at the Concours d’Elegance (I had no idea what that was).
I asked him if my car was good enough – and did he think it would be approved. He said ‘yes’ to my first question – and then followed up with his statement “I will approve it!”
He had a clipboard – people with clipboards are always important !!!
He signed something – and told me to take a few pictures of my car and send them in with a packet he gave me.
A few hours later, the show broke up – and we all drove home.
I did send in the packet he gave me – with some pictures. And a few weeks later received a ‘welcome kit’ with all the information to show my car.
Next step – I arrived at the Concours d’Elegance with my welcome packet at the appointed date and time and was directed where to find “my” club,
I parked in the appointed space – and had a splendid afternoon. I met several nice people – had lunch with them – saw beautiful cars….. A hard afternoon to beat!
Well, Guys, about a month or so later a friend of mine who had his car serviced at the same place I did – told me that he saw my picture in the STAR- a magazine published for Mercedes club members.
So, I went to the service shop my friend mentioned – and there on the counter was the magazine. I perused it – and sure enough – there was a picture of my car.
Turned out there was a reporter covering the event, and of all the cars there, he happened to pick mine.
What a kick! I was in a national magazine – representing a club I didn’t belong to – Great fun…
Now, you know that besides building a bond between us, and giving you a sliver of family history – I will always try to give you a nugget of insight/wisdom that may be of value to you. That is my inspirational letter to grandsons — a story wrapped in a lesson.
Here is today’s nugget — part of my legacy and life advice for you:
Follow the main road of acceptable behavior,
But,
Don’t be afraid to take a little detour every now and then – as long as it is not illegal and doesn’t cause any harm to anyone.
And let the little devil come out for a few moments..
That is where the fun is – and where memories are made… These are the character building lessons that no school teaches — how to be good, but not boring.
I have told this story many times, and it always brings a chuckle..
This story also shows building self esteem in children (and grandchildren) — giving them permission to be playful, confident, and just a little mischievous.
Your Loving Poppa
P.S. I soon after joined the club – but the thrill was gone!
