Me and ma Sheila

7 years ago

There seem to be some truth in the saying that christmas time is a mysterious time, because it all started on december 20th.

It was love at the first sight. Your elegant black dress attracted me immediately. For me you were the contrary of a black sheep.

You enchantress. Our first ride together was like being on cloud nine. You liked how the wind rushed through my dark blond mane.

With you I wanted to see the country.

With your four-wheel drive no mountain was too high…

…no distance too far…

… no creek to deep…

… no road to narrow…

… and no forest to dark.

You opened a whole new world for me.

When I was with you, I felt at home. Whether it was a rest area on the highway,…

…a beach…

… or a camping ground.

You gave me shelter and I gave you fuel.

You had the speed, I led the way.

Together we explored Australia’s expanse east coast. (Here Byron Bay)

Strange things passed our way. Not only humans dressed like strange animals…

… also animals behaved like strange Sheilas…

… and Sheilas decorated with strange human humor.

We had also romantic moments for us…

…where we played Trivia Games…

… or hide and seek. (Can you spot her?)

But also social times…

… in which it got wild…

… or sometimes a bit messy.

Even though every farewell was like a stab in the heart,…

… we were happy whether alone or in company!

You had your moods and quirks, like me. Remember the endless discussions whether the window should be open or not? When you were stubborn the automatic window regulator simply didn’t work.

Also you were not the youngest Sheila anymore, so i.e. with holding the rear hatch you needed assistance.

But still you were my little black princess!

In Cairns, all of a sudden, something very unexpected happen. One day we had to go to the doc for a routine check.

So far he was happy with you. But when we looked at your bottom…

… I had to admit that this wasn’t your best side.

We both couldn’t believe that it was that serious. It hurt to hear the diagnose. The car cancer that we found was in advanced stage next to the wheel suspension. Unfortunately the treatment costs were higher than all my savings together.

The following days were the hardest. Far away from your registration-home in New South Wales the possibilities were quiet limited to get you road-worthy again.

I had to take the decision to separate from each other. It was the best for both of us. A local could give you better attention than I in my inconsistent times.