Posted on Thursday, 11th March 2010 by Bill Bean
Hard to imagine getting sentimental over a vehicle. Especially one as non-unique or special as my old blue van but I am.
Thick and thin. That’s what I’ve been through with this trusted steed.
John Sprouse, of Bill Estes Chevrolet, sold me this 1994 Chevy Astro in 1996. It was an above average van. Not too big, not too small. More truck than mini-van. It was customized. Had captains chairs that would lay ALL the way back (perhaps you’ve slept in those chairs?). The back bench folded out in to a bed and it had mood lighting. There were also two handles in the ceiling. Never did figure out what those were for.
We acquired that van when our kids were small. Today’s mini-vans don’t provide the kind of moving around space you had in my mini cruise ship. 
Emily, now 6ft tall, could walk around in it. They could sprawl out for a nap or build a fort. Needless to say, it revolutionized long distance travel for the young Bean family.
That van has been there through hundreds of relationships that have come and gone in my life. It’s hauled an amazing assortment of people, from Kentuckians to Kenyans. Camping trips, church conferences, concerts, and 13 Christmases. It’s helped to move more than a few people from old home to new (two of our own).
Lots of happy moments and some very sad have been enjoyed and endured inside it. I can see many familiar faces riding in the passenger seat. Lots of conversations still echo.
Other than a wedding ring, my best dog, and a few pieces of furniture no non-human thing has been more consistently a fixture in my world. This worn out hunk of metal (with new tires, argh!) has been a symbol of one of my most valued character traits — loyalty. Like a rock, huh?
I think I’m going to miss that van. Maybe I should get a tattoo.
Thanks for the memories.
Posted in Personal | Comments (3)
March 11th, 2010 at 9:49 am
Like it! As part of the blue family I also remember. Love those girls!
March 11th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Oy!
This post includes many of my favorite Bean things: Big Blue, the girls, and Boyd.
I traveled in that van before I even really knew you guys, on a road trip to Georgia with the Brenners, Fuller, and Shawn Causey for Matt & Cynthia Gruel’s wedding. Soooo many years ago. I remember thinking then that it was a nice ride. (I did not, however, enjoy my stint as driver which just happened to be in a monsoon through heavy construction somewhere in Kentucky).
Thanks for the post, Bill. She’ll be missed by many.
March 11th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Lots of memories for sure. Here’s to hoping you can find another reliable and affordable replacement soon.