Green Bean… by JoAnn

For a few years now, I have been driving a 2004 Chevy Aveo.  It’s a rather small, compact car.  It was passed down to me by my youngest daughter Chelsea.  It had been given to her by her grandfather.  It’s a very bright, neon green color.  Chelsea lovingly named “her” Green Bean.

For all my life, I have driven large cars.  I learned to drive at the age of 15 in my daddy’s 1970, 4 door, Chevy Impala.  I then went on to marry a young man who owned (if my memory serves me right) a 1976 Ford Thunderbird.  I then went on to drive Ford Crown Victoria’s and Grand Marquis.  I continued to drive the same size of vehicles until my Green Bean.

I must admit, it was quite a change driving a car less than half the size of what I had been used to.  At first it was uncomfortable.  I felt cramped and unprotected.  And being neon green, I felt like I stood out …well, like a green thumb.  Lol 

But I quickly realized there were many great features to driving a compact car.  First of course being the great gas mileage.  I was not use to that at all, after driving gas guzzlers for decades!  What a treat to fill my tank and it last me an entire week or more.  It felt like magic!  It also was very nice when parking.  I was able to zip in and out of just about any parking space I wanted.  

I quickly became very familiar and happy with my peppy little Green Bean.  The fact it originally came from two people I love with all my heart, has made it even more special to me.  It’s safe to say that I am attached to my little putt putt car.  I don’t know if I could ever drive a large car again.  

Last week I took Green Bean for several repairs, and for 4 new tires.  And I must admit, I have enjoyed driving her so much more knowing she is at her best.  To me, she is like brand new.  I couldn’t be happier.  I guess some would think that rather silly of me.  Perhaps they’ve never had to be without their own car long enough to realize what a privilege it is.

I know I’m not the first person to be attached to my vehicle.  Why do we become sentimental over an inanimate object like a car?  I do believe my love for my car comes from the fact it was given to me by my daughter and her grandfather.  And at a time in my life that I had not had a car of my own for some time.  It was a gift that I truly needed and was so very much appreciated.  Still is.

So, what is your Green Bean?  I know you have at least one.