Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2020 07:13:46 -0800
Reply-To: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Gone but not unsubscribes. Long-time member is hanging up the
keys
In-Reply-To: <34a1d61a-afc5-4a0b-ae2c-bf7111c9b186@Jim-Felders-iPhone-2>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Dear Hung up keys
A group of folks who mostly meet via email with a shared interest in things
mechanically German in nature find their selfs often looking wistfully out
the windshield as they pass the roadside sign saying final
destination looms closer than you thought. A last look in the rear view
mirror on the outside of the passenger door and they see the message -
Objects in mirror have been more impressive than you have realized.
Hands tighten a little on the wheel, no more speed, almost there, hands
relax and a sigh escapes the air.
Left leg raises, hand on the shifter, down one gear ... little more fuel
and a look all around ... deep listening to that unique 4 cylinder sound.
A wave of the hand as the gates loom. Graceland plays from the recorded
tune.
A smile breaks for the passenger's company.
Glance aft to note that all is secure.
This trip has been wonderful with only minor repairs and one motor
replacement.
Hills climbed, rivers crossed, friends found, loves experienced, children's
laughter echos still, from that hot afternoon.
Laughter followed by a splash, gleeful screams. Shouts of "My Turn!'"
Those last miles between there and home.
Anticipation ...
Some fear ... what if I really did leave the garden hose running into the
basement?
Much gladness for all experienced...
Especially the moment when I forgave my greatest foe ... I was so much
freer after that.
Final sips of the coffee ...
Blinker on to signal to others on the road of my intention to turn ...
Down another gear ...
Ease off the fuel...
Break gently ...
Turn - Home - Good feeling of having safely maneuvered and coped with all
manner of Vanagon
Idle for a moment ... Already the others are out - I hear the slide of the
side door ...
Light fills my happy chamber
Laughter is closer now, not the laughter of memories.
Laughter and excitement of my home ...
It was a great drive ... ... ...
On Tue, Jan 28, 2020 at 5:58 PM Jim. Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
> I have been a member of the diesel and general Vanagon groups since
> around 2003 when I acquired my diesel Westy. I had already been in the
> gerry group because of my ownership of a red 1990 Carat bought new.
>
>
>
> A very alert few of you will know me though Felder Industries, purveyors
> of superior Vanagon parts to the gentry mostly though the stiff competitive
> alternatives to the offerings of A. Bell.
>
>
>
> Today I was handed a bill of health that cuts short my tenure in this
> business (and all others). I have known I have mesothelioma first over a
> year, but today I discovered that it will all be over in a matter of weeks.
> It was a good run and I enjoyed it with you so much. Wish it could continue.
>
>
>
> Best regards,
>
>
>
> Jim Felder
>
--
roger whittaker 604.414.6266
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