Personal Narrative-Ford Galaxie

Viewing life in retrospect can help one remember events much different from how they transpired. The magic in a memory of one event can be hindered by tragic circumstances that later occurred. Likewise, the tragic memory of an incident can be lightened by seemingly magical measures. Recently, the loss of a beloved family member had me looking back upon memories in a different light. An average occasion that I experienced now seems magical due to tragedy. Family gathered in a suburban backyard on a muggy mid August evening huddled around a crackling bonfire. The sound of car horns and various classic rock songs echoed in the distance. Rickety lawn chairs holding summer beverages circled the fire and the lull of conversations came to a halt as the roar of a 1965 Ford Galaxie boomed up the driveway. Each year Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise

I was surrounded by my family during the heart of summer celebrating the feat that the Galaxie actually survived its voyage from Lansing to Detroit. While tragedy showed its presence six short months later, this memory of my uncle was only enhanced. Tragedy can make mundane days seem special; this was the case for me at the Dream Cruise. An excerpt from David Crosby’s song “Page 43” was quoted at Uncle Rob’s funeral, “You should grab ahold of it, And you should dive right into it, And you should have a sip of it, Else you’ll find, It’s passed you by.” These words hold deep resonance to me in my everyday life but they hold their greatest significance when I think back to the day of the Dream Cruise. Had I not climbed in the backseat of the Galaxie that average August evening, I would have never experienced one of the most magical events in my life. I cherish every memory that I have of my uncle, but this particular memory holds a fondness and a magical element in my heart due to the genuine spontaneity of the