Brady got his first set of wheels from his Uncle Mike when he was two years old. It was a blue pickup called Blue Thunder. His first passenger, and constant companion, was B, his trusted teddy bear. The two of them conquered the ins and outs of off road driving in their back yard on Moon Lake Road, Brady and Eva’s first home.
Brady turned sixteen today. He’s got a new set of wheels. It’s a 2012 Ford F-150. It’s a gift from Lindsay’s family. When I asked Brady what model it was, he rattled off the letters XLT. When I went on to inquire about the letters, he didn’t know what they meant. Few of us do.
My first car was a 1967 Mustang convertible. It was a three speed manual transmission, silver with a black top. I bought it the summer prior to my junior year of college for $2,700.00. My monthly payments were $104.00. I drove too fast and logged up a passel of points on my driving record. I had to attend a driving school to slow me down. Shortly after driving school, my car insurance was raised to $1,000 every six months. I couldn’t afford that, so I switched cars with my dad. I drove his 1963 Ford Galaxie 500, and he drove my Mustang. That was our arrangement for about nine months until my insurance rate came down.
I’m not sure what Brady’s new ride cost in 2012, but a new Ford F-150 XLT starts at $35,000 today. Like everything else, car and truck prices have accelerated over the years.
I believe his parents are helping him with the insurance on his new ride, but he needs to earn his own gas money. He’s got a job working at a golf course making good money. If he budgets his income, he’ll be fine. Ruth and I gave him a gas card for his birthday and have plans to provide one once a month until his next birthday. That should help.
Ruth hopes Brady will get a picture of B riding in the F-150. B is still his silent partner. While I don’t believe he shares B with his friends, he’s been a large part of his sixteen years. Lifelong friends, and new wheels, should be celebrated.
Happy birthday Brady!