The Little Jeep That Could

It’s not a truck. It’s not a car. It’s not an SUV. It is the original SUV. It’s a real Jeep. Not a Cherokee. Not a Commander. Not a Liberty or a Compass. It’s a Wrangler… It descended from the Blantam Blitzbuggies, the Willies, and the CJs…

My Jeep has let me drive on 3 ½ tires for 50 miles and run on fumes for 30. It’s summoned an incredible amount of strength to get me up a hill entirely too steep for its little engine, and on two tires, to help me avoid imminent danger and it’s protected me from personal injury twice. Not to mention, everything else it’s done. It has carried me to all of my favorite places and to see all of my favorite people. It lets me drive it around even when there is no destination. It tries really hard, and succeeds, to be really cute, fun, and accommodating to all of my friends and even my pets.

Despite suffering a big loss over a year ago it kept on truckin’. It has let me use it to teach two people to drive even though the process was painful. It’s been rained on, drooled on, slept in, scratched, sun burned, frozen, crashed, beaten, dehydrated, starved, yelled at, kicked, and pushed to its limit. All of this and it has asked for almost nothing in return.

After giving me 102,000 miles it was unable to continue, though eager to do so I’m sure, without some ‘R and R’ (repairs and rest). It didn’t require much however, and cost me relatively little. The last few months my Jeep has been buckling under the pressure I put on it. It got me thinking about what it’s done for me and what I’ve done for it. So now, at 168,000 miles, it’s ready for round two of ‘R and R’. This week, my little Jeep is getting a mini overhaul. It deserves it. And, I think it deserves a public proclamation of love from its owner. This is it…

Jeep, I love you. I always have and while I may have taken you for granted, I always will. I wanted you the second we were introduced. I promise to treat you better from now on. After all, other vehicles may be cushier, cost less, last longer, and go further on less fuel, but there is no other as fabulous as you. You can take me places most others can’t, you give so much of yourself and expect so little in return, and you even look good when you’re dirty. You are there for me when I need you and make me so very happy. You always could, you can, and I know you will…