Adios and Vayas con dios

Yesterday we said farewell to a beloved friend.

The White Stallion (or as I call him, the White Pony. Take your pick.), Ryan's trusty white Ford Ranger, is no longer apart of the Shull family.

This beast has been with Ryan since before college, has never broken down, and the odometer has been reset. Twice. Giving it well over 200,000 miles, and still counting.

The reason it is gone, is that we ended up with three vehicles, which has caused a slight headache with no where to park it, additional insurance and an extra registration fee each year. Ryan finally decided that the time has come to pass on the truck to someone who can use it instead of it sitting on the side of the street. In reality we donated it, and hopefully will be able to be fixed up and then go to someone who can use it.

On my way home yesterday, when I knew the truck was being towed away, I felt a moment of sadness and nostalgia. This truck could have been one of Ryan's best men in our wedding, for the role it played in match-making us...

Ryan and I worked at an amazing non-profit organization called Carousel Ranch. It was within walking distance of college, and considering I was without transportation I spent two years walking to and from work. When Ryan started in 2001, he often would offer me a ride home, resulting in a shared dinner and time to get to know each other. Ryan taught me to drive a stick in his truck. I used it as an excuse to spend more time with him, asking for rides to the grocery store. After all that time, friendship blossomed into something more, and here we are today.

Thank you White Stallion. You will be fondly remembered.