The Red Baron of '91

There are points in everyone’s life where it marks a change in their character. For Josh it was when he realized he could jump real high, Dave changed when he discovered his superior brick throwing arm, Tim discovered a new life direction when he aced that quantum mechanics test in grade 3, Steve became bitter when staples refused to return his sparkly gel pens (even after all the girls made fun of him), Derek changed when he saw a truck rip donuts on his front lawn, Mark Jensen changed the day he heard an inspirational rap by Mr. T and I changed the day I got my drivers.

What a great day that was. I remember as if it was a few years back. The sun was probably shining, birds were more than likely chirping and I was basking in my new found freedom. I walked outside of the building where I got my drivers and drove home for the first time. From that day on I chauffeured my friends around town gleefully. My youthful exuberance willed the old van through many snow storms until I got my first car.

The fifty dollar tires kept me on the right path, the twisting engine almost shook me of the path but the steely beast kept trudging on. When the car roared to life heads turned towards what they originally thought was a lawn mower. Much to everyone’s surprise there was no lawn mower on the Superstore parking lot but rather a cherry red 1991 Pontiac Sunbird, "The Red Baron" as it affectionately became known as.

There was a hole in floor, the car did not start unless you jiggled the shifter, flooded the engine with gas and turned the key over for about 30 seconds, despite these unfavorable characteristics the machine never quit on me. It was as dependable as the seasons. Sure the lights did not turn on if it was too cold and the seal on the doors were broken but the car did what it was supposed to do.

It was this car that made me realize what character truly meant.