What I Miss Most About Jasper
You don't know how much something means to you until you lose it. Jasper was more than just a car to me. He was my friend. He literally carried me through life. We've only been together for a year, but it's felt like eternity. I can't imagine my life without Jasper. He's been there without fail; for the good times and the bad. Never wavering. Never asking me for anything but a sip of gasoline. He let me live.
Until last week when he was tragically injured in a ruthless car accident. It could have been a lot worse, but that doesn't mean it wasn't traumatic. I was obeying traffic circle rules (a concept foreign to most Americans), when an SUV cut me off and clipped Jasper on the front end. I let him down. I just couldn't slam on the breaks quickly enough to spare his precious front bumper. The sound that poor Jasper made as I drove down the street to park at a curb was disturbing. My jaw dropped when I got out of my car and looked at the damage.
If Jasper could cry, I'm sure he would have been shedding tears of pain and sorrow. His entire front bumper was torn off, dragging, and attached to his body by only a few small pieces of plastic. His lights were busted and his insides were revealed for all the world to see. The police man quickly assessed the damage, then sealed the deal and separated the injured bumper from Jasper's body and shoved it in the back seat. I drove him to the safety of a parking lot where he spent the night until a tow truck could take him to the hospital.
Poor Jasper. I can certainly empathize with an injury that takes you by surprise and wrecks your former glory. But he's a tough cookie and receiving excellent care. He'll be back in no time, they tell me. Well their definition of "no time" fails to take into account the unique relationship that I have with my car. We've been separated for nearly 2 weeks and this rental doesn't cut it. I'm sure it's trying hard, but it just doesn't measure up to...
The 5 Things I Miss Most About Jasper
His backup camera. What did I ever do without a backup camera?
His fabulous bluetooth. I miss being able to make phone calls and listen to my music while driving.
His size. I knew exactly where his front and end were. I could park easily and maneuver between lanes on the beltway.
His supportive nature. He was a pillar in my support system and he carried a substantial piece of my life. I left many things in his care that I'm currently missing: sunglasses, my favorite black sweater, my parking tag for work (which means I have to park forever away), sneakers, an umbrella, my rain boots, and the half-consumed tall unsweetened iced green tea from Starbucks. Sigh.
The way he waved goodbye and hello. His side mirrors fold up when I lock the car and back down when I unlock it. It's like he's waving at me every time. I love it.
When Jasper and I are reunited, I will truly appreciate him for who he is. He plays a special role in my life and I have a new appreciation for him. I won't say he completed me, but he definitely lets me be who I am and do what I do. It's rare to find such a fast and loyal friend.