I’m doing something a bit impulsive. I’m buying my son Alex a car for this summer, even though he doesn’t really “need” one.
But not just any car, a mint condition 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG with 23,000 miles. A fire breathing classic two seater hardtop convertible with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 493 HP engine. This car was, and still is, Mercedes’ ultimate gentlemen’s convertible roadster.
The SL AMG was one of many dream cars for middle aged men like me who became adults in the 1990s. And now this iconic classic is ours.
Surely some of you may be thinking this is the worst idea ever. However, sometimes the impulsive decisions turn out to be the best ones. This certainly was an emotional purchase, but I think for all the right reasons.
What I’ve learned from my wife Allyson’s passing is that we don’t really have a lot of time. Friends and family are here now, and later not. It is the same case with my kids.
Jack is in his third year studying Computer Science in Taiwan. Alex will start at University of Washington in September. This is my last summer as a full-time Dad. It is most likely the last time we’re under the same roof.
It’s incredible how quickly the years have gone by. 27 years with Allyson, 20 with Jack, and now 18 with Alex. It wasn’t that long ago when they were little boys…