The above picture was taken in the early 1970s of our bright red 1971 Chevrolet Suburban. Yes, we bought that huge hunk of metal, gas guzzling vehicle brand new in January 1971. We had to wait 6 months after we ordered it for it to arrive from Detroit. We were so excited that when the transport came in we went to the dealership in the dark and watched it being unloaded. Bob said that night that he was never going to sell the beauty! Well, guess what?, we still own that Suburban, fondly known around here as "The Truck".At the time, we had a two year old, and thought that all of that steel would protect our precious cargo. We strapped him in the middle seat with the lap belt (no shoulder seat belts in those days). When we adopted our daughter at three weeks old, we brought her to her new home in this hunk of steel just in my arms - no baby car seats in those days either. It makes you wonder how everyone survived, but luckily "The Truck" has never been in an accident.
The kids grew up, and they learned to drive "The Truck", which was not an easy chore. There is no power steering, no power brakes, no automatic transmission, and no air conditioning. They loved taking it to school, however, as it would hold a whole bunch of kids to go out to lunch. We never worried too much thinking all that steel would protect them.
"The Truck" was our only vehicle for a number of years, and served as the work truck for our engineering business. It has been on back roads, up and over mountains, through mud, snow and ice; it has been on family vacations, to the grocery store, and to church. It has hauled so many pieces of furniture; wood, etc. from the lumber yard; appliances; and has been known to be a temporary storage room for something that wouldn't fit in the house, garage, or shed at the moment! The back end has a wooden floor big enough for a 5-year old's dance recital. It has been very faithful to us!
Finally, a year ago, Bob decided it was time to reward "The Truck". It had grown rusty, lost its hubcaps, and had oxidized to an orange color. Pretty sad!!
And now, here it is with its new paint job and hubcaps. Isn't it a beauty once again? It still runs like a top and guzzles gas like there is no tomorrow, but we love it.
Happy 38th Birthday, "Truck"!!!
