Bye Bye Ruby
I loved Ruby. My ruby-red Ford Focus. We did a lot of traveling together. She was good on gas. I treated her well. And she treated me well, too.
But, alas, Ruby did not like snow and ice. I don’t blame her. But when I was the slide-down-the-hill show this last winter, I knew Ruby needed a new home.
God brought Ruby into my life many years ago while I was still working. One of my co-workers bought her new and decided he wanted something else. He put a note on the breakroom counter and I picked it up. His car was exactly what I’d asked God for. It was the right color. And it was the right price. I told my co-worker that I wanted his car. He was dumbfounded.
“Don’t you want to drive it first?” Was his incredulous question.
“Nope. I don’t need to.” Now that was probably a silly response, right? But I knew he took great care of all his vehicles and that was good enough for me.
Ten years later, I finally let Ruby go. With some sadness, of course. We’d been companions.
Hello Jo-Jo
My son, Jeff, came to visit me the last weekend in June. I didn’t expect to buy a car. We went looking on a whim. But when we saw this royal blue Escape, I knew that was it. An SUV, it had everything I wanted (except a CD player – I’m an old lady – I still use CDs when I travel. This will soon be remedied).
On Saturday, we started the paperwork. They told us they couldn’t understand why the Escape had sat on their lot for two months. It was a good car. Jeff and I looked at each other. We knew why. God had held it especially for me because He knew I would need it.
On Sunday, my Mama went to the hospital. I was so grateful my son was here to help.
On Monday, Jeff and I picked up the new car. We took it to my mechanic who pronounced it perfect. A good little car. We already knew it, but it’s good practice to check it out, right?
Jeff went home the next day.
A God Thing
Then began the downward spiral that all of us who have lost loved ones must travel. My Mama went home to heaven.
I lived in my new car for a month. Meeting appointments, hauling people, hauling boxes and boxes and boxes of stuff everywhere.
God knew I could not have done all of that in little Ruby. But Jo-Jo (now named for my Mama and myself. It’s a comfort thing. I bet you all get that!) handled it so well with her larger back-end and hatchback.
The Last Ride
My Mama saw a picture of me with Jo-Jo. She smiled at the name. But her only ride in my new car was to the cemetery.
Whether or not she heard me from heaven, I know my heavenly Father heard me when I cried and talked to her on that day while heading to the cemetery funeral place.
He is our Comforter. He is always with us. He promises He will be and He keeps His promises.
He was with me on my Mama’s last ride and assured me that she is safe with Him.
Someday we will all take that last ride. I think it is times like this that bring that close to our consciousness. Most of the time we live our lives, and we are a busy people, trying to keep schedules and fulfill our to-do lists.
But the Last Ride will happen. If we have given our hearts and lives to Jesus, our Savior, the Last Ride will be a joyous one and He is our destination.
Are we ready?
Karen Miller says
Linda, bittersweet, yet God is good. I myself love my Ford Escape best of all my vehicles. Was told it goes less into a shop of all the Fords. My mom’s name was Betty Jo, my dtr Katrina’s middle name is Jo. My son Jordan goes by Jo, his son is Rusty Jo. I call my sister Julie Jo. So we have alot in common with Jo’s!
Sorry about your dear sweet mama. How fortunate to have her so long into your adulthood. Blessings to you and your family.
Linda Jo Reed says
Hi Karen: Yes, we were very fortunate to have our Mama so long. God blessed us with her. I think “Jo” is a good name. Glad you have so many. So far, I love the Escape. It’s so comfortable and roomy. I can put walkers in the back, boxes, and so much more. AND I expect I will have it a lot easier in the winter!!