Memories of My First Mustang

Even now at 46 years old, I remember the day my dad bought me my first car like it was yesterday. This memory will forever be in my heart and even though some would say it was "just a car" to me it was my dream car and a wonderful memory of my dad, my youth and the decisions that came later in becoming a mother.

I came home from school one day and my dad said "do you want to run down to the Ford dealer with me?" I had no idea why we were going there but said "sure!".

We drove down the street to the Ford dealership and my dad pulled up to one of the sweetest looking Mustangs I had ever laid eyes on. It was a beautiful warm sunny day and the Mustang was painted a dark metallic green that sparkled like diamonds in the sun. I still had no clue why we were there, but I couldn't stop looking and drooling over the stunning Mustang.

We get out the car and my dad headed into the dealer's office. I just stood there admiring the Mustang and looking in the windows. I loved the all white interior, real stereo and black carpet. Although many people later tease me about those white seats, to my teenage eyes it was perfection.

Finally my dad came out of the car dealer's office and handed me a set of keys. I just looked at him dumbfounded. Looking back now, I realize that my dad had previously purchased the car, and we were there to pick it up, but at the time I had no clue. He asked me if I wanted to drive it home and I just stood there stunned. I remember him laughing and saying "well are you going to drive it home or not?" I jumped in and started the car and drove it the short way home.

I remember jumping out of the car and hugging my dad and basically just acting like a fool. That was when he told me the car was mine to drive to school and work, but was owned by him. He also gave me a lecture on taking care of the car and the responsibility of checking the oil etc. He strongly reminded me that "he who gives can also take away." Next, I jumped in the car and drove to my best friends house and picked her up and went cruising for hours.

I still remember those long lazy summer days driving my dream Mustang and the looks I would get and the constant offers from people wanting to buy it, not to mention people wanting to "race" me. Then there are the sweet teenage memories of making out with my boyfriend (later to be my husband) in that small Mustang.

Two years later I was working as a waitress and obtained my first bank loan to buy the car from my dad. I remember feeling so happy that the Mustang was now truly mine and feeling like such an adult.

Time marched on, and I got married and gave birth to my first child. We wanted so badly to buy our own house and make a home for our daughter. I knew what had to be done; I had to sell my beloved Mustang to come up with a down payment on a house.

I still remember watching with tears in my eyes as my 1979 Mustang pulled out of the driveway for the last time. I knew it was the right decision for my family, even if I did shed a few tears. That car was so full of memories of my dad, my teenage years, my husband and now it was time to move on and make memories of raising a family.