My Everything Van

For years my family has had a van of some type to drive as our main vehicle.  We started shopping for one when we first decided to adopt our three children.  I remember going to a dealership in Franklin, TN and asking for their best price and then driving away from that new beautiful black van.  We purchased our first used Econoline van in Lewisburg, TN and after the last payment was made, my husband donated it to our church.  We got so much mileage out of that van and I think they are still driving it.  We then purchased our current van, a 2009 Ford Econoline.  We affectionately call it our "diaper bag."  It has carried bicycles on vacation.  It has carried Brody and his service dog Millo to many parks and campgrounds.  It has carried luggage and ice chests for both fun and work.  It has carried furniture to move friends and family.  It has carried many friends of the kids with us to places to experience for the first time.  We just can't seem to part with it.  It has been such a service to us.  Not once has it given us any trouble.  It always starts and it is our first pick to travel in even though it has many miles on it. 

Now our van has so many different uses.  We have used to haul groceries for Blessings in a Backpack.  We have used to collect and carry hand-me-downs to friends that can use them.  Now we are using it to collect supplies for the Wildcat Pantry at the Guntersville High School.  Once while we were in Miami, FL someone tried to break into it to get our pillows and blankets that were in there.  They didn't get in......I know it's just a van and a wonderful symbol to our family of loyalty and trust, but we love it!  Our son never wants us to get rid of it because of the memories.  Who knows he might even be driving it some day?

Everyone knows our van as it stands out in a crowd.  We often get a honk or a wave from a friend while we are out driving in it.  My apologies as I am so near sighted if I don't see you.  Don't worry, I hardly ever drive.  If I do, I have on my glasses.  LOL.  How do you stand out in a crowd?  What makes you different?