G'day Bob
A wonderful and most touching story Bob. Many thanks for sharing.
Best wishes to both of you for the trip.
Patrick Quinn
Sydney, Australia
-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces@autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Bob Spidell
Sent: Monday, 15 April 2013 9:00 AM
To: healeylist; Michael Grant
Subject: [Healeys] The Power of Healey
I have a neighbor named Mike. Although I'm on good terms with most of my
neighbors, Mike and I have the most in common and have occasional long
conversations but we're not what you'd call BFFs. About 12 years or so ago
Mike's first wife died of cancer. Mike was understandably despondent and,
at some point either me or my girlfriend at the time decided he needed to
get out and about. I offered to take Mike on a day trip in my BJ8; we drove
down to Pinnacles National Monument and spent the day hiking and returned.
He seemed to enjoy the trip and the car but I don't recall him bringing it
much, if at all, in the ensuing years.
A few days ago, Mike came over while I was working in my garage. After the
usual exchange of pleasantries and chit-chat Mike said he had a 'big favor'
to ask (I noticed he seemed unusually emotional and might have been fighting
back tears). Now, Mike isn't one to ask for favors--typical Midwesterner
(he's originally from Michigan)--and I figured he just needed me to water or
mow his lawn while he took a trip (he's semi-retired now and is making the
most of it). I had noticed that Mike had a fresh bandage on his neck--he'd
had surgery and radiation treatment for thyroid cancer previously and had to
have another surgery and was facing the radiation treatment again. We
didn't talk about it, but the prognosis is likely not great.
Anyway, the 'big favor' Mike asked for? He wants to take another trip in
the Healey. Turns out that day trip in a Healey meant a lot to him, and now
he wants to take another during an extremely trying time. I've planned an
overnighter down the California coast through Big Sur, a night in Morro Bay
then back up through an inland route known for wildflower displays this time
of year.
Now, any car might do for such an occasion--certainly any British sports
car--but for Mike the Healey is special (and he's not a 'car guy'). I'm
getting a queue of people wanting to take trips in the Healey.
Our route:
http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Hwy1BigSur.htm
http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Highway25.htm
Bob
--
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Bob Spidell San Jose, CA bspidell@comcast.net
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