Saturday, November 25, 2017

On the Road Again ~


Hello to you, my lovely friends and faithful followers!
Have I got a special surprise for you!
Today it would have been my dear dad's 81st Birthday.
Two and a half years ago many of you spent precious time
on your knees before the thrown of God in prayer for dad
 and our family as dad went through a time of illness, 
hospital stays and then his open heart surgery
which resulted in complications and God calling dad home to glory. 
Just before dad was wheeled into surgery,
his last words were, "I'll be returning with a new heart"
but God had other plans for dad.

~~~♡♡ ~~~

Months before dad passed away, he and mom went through an Estate Sale
with nearly everything selling, including the restored vehicles dad
put his time and heart into during his living years. 
One of dad's restored treasures was a '56 Ford pick up with the name "Cherry Delight".
My husband and I were fortunate enough to purchase dad's dream.
Of all the restored vehicles dad put his time into,
 Cherry Delight has a story behind her and she was dad's dream. 
After purchasing Cherry Delight I asked my dad to write out for me
why he wanted a '56 Ford pickup and these were his words. 


Debby~
In 1955 just prior to graduation I purchased a new 1955 Ford pickup
with the help of my mom and dad. The plain Baby Blue pickup was customized
including a flame paint job, custom upholstery, fender skirts,
full hubcaps even '49 Mercury taillights fitted into the rear fenders. 
But then in 1956 Ford made a dramatic change adding a wrap around
windshield making it the best looking pickup on the road, 
or at least I thought so, oh if I had only waited another year. 
A year actually turned into 21 years.  Now living in East Vail
in a new home we had built for ourselves I decided it was time 
to find me a '56 project pickup ~ time to make my dream come true. 
My friends were trying to help me out but to no avail, 
couldn't find the one I thought was right. 
Then in early May Mike Bice told me of a red '56 he had seen in Red Cliff, 
he had spoken to the owner John Martinez, who wasn't 
interested in selling, but I decided to go see him for myself.
After meeting with him, within an hour or so I convinced him the pickup
should be mine ~ and the fun was about to begin.
Forty years later my daughter Debby has decided she wants
the pickup, I'm both excited and concerned for her. 
The pickup has been sitting in a garage for approximately 30 years. 
The brakes are down and the tires are shot, and that's to be expected, 
hopefully mechanically the rest is still sound. 
I wish her nothing but the "BEST" and I'm anxious to see her
driving and enjoying it within the next couple of years. 
 Love Dad ~
~  
Looking back, not knowing dad would not be with us much longer 
I am so very thankful for this hand written letter. 

 
Before dad passed away he told me to talk around
and see if I couldn't find a "back yard mechanic" who would be willing
to tinker with Cherry Delight. 
So, I did as dad asked, talked around, even went to the High School
thinking maybe they would like to work on her as their automotive project. 
Finally, with a handful of options I laid them all before the Lord in prayer.
 Soon after, God clearly directed me to this amazing and talented mechanic,
who offers custom rebuilding and does restoration on any automotive.


 
For the past two and a half years Cherry Delight has been at the garage
under the loving care of our mechanic,who by the way, is a Christian.  
I truly believe this man was sent from God. 
It all started with putting in fuel injection, which led to
Cherry Delight receiving a new engine, (her new heart) which led to 
numerous changes taking out the old and putting in the new.
God knew that Cherry Delight would be in the best of care
when He directed me to this man.
If dad were here today, I just know he would be very pleased with God's choice.



Cherry Delight is on the road again after being stored for so many years.
Oh how I wish my dad were here to see his dream is alive
and sit in the passenger seat beside of me
while the two of us Cruz down the road together.
Dad was full of life and known for his story telling,
so now as I drive along in his dream pickup
I can hear that awesome voice of his as he shares of his many interesting stories.
In spirit, my dad will always be there by my side
as I enjoy something that was once his,
something that meant a lot to him and something that was restored with his own hands.
Right now before winter sets in I'm having the time of my life!
She will be garaged over the winter month's in this vintage garage
that both dad and I discussed before he passed away.
The paneling is from an old milking barn that was on dad's property.
I'll save that story and photos for another time.
Until then... I'll be out driving ~ 



 Mom continues to make progress with her rehab
gaining strength with each new day.
The goal is for mom to be strong enough to have Christmas
with one of my sisters who lives in Wyoming.
Wyoming is a lower altitude than here, something mom needs with her heart. 
Once again, thank you so very much for your continued prayers. 
God bless you!
Love & Hugs
Debbie 


In Loving Memory ~ Dad, this ones for you! 😗

37 comments:

Bernideen said...

That is darling and what fun - we would love it!

Elizabethd said...

What a wonderful memory of your Dad, wouldn't he be delighted!

hobbyloes said...

Wow, your dad have got an amazing and beautiful Cherry Delight - car. How wonderful you have it from him, you are very lucky with a car like that.
Nice to hear your mom is going better, hopefully she can celebrate Christmas with your sister.
Hugs,
Loes

carol sferra said...

What a sweet story Debby. Blessings to you and yours!!

LindaCrochets said...

Such a beautiful memory to carry with you and your family! I know you will always remember those things while ridding around in Cherry Delight! God Bless!

Chas' Crazy Creations said...

I remember talking with you about your truck when we had tea in Georgetown. I'm so pleased to hear she's up and running! Looks fantastic and all the fun you'll have. Thank you for sharing your story.

Regina said...

Oh my! What a beautiful truck! I just love it and I think you should take it to car shows. I've been praying for your mom and I pray she will be strong enough to go to see your sis. Have a blessed day!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh Deb - what a delightful story! I am grinning ear to ear knowing you have this incredible and one-and-only awesome truck. Isn't she a beautiful thing?

Enjoy for yours to come.

I too adored my dad - and my heart is both sad and happy for you at the same time. I understand. Big big hugs and loving prayers for you and yours.



Cheryl said...

Oh, Debby! I sat here and read this aloud to my husband and son, and I am just literally bawling. This is such a sweet, precious story! The truck is just beautiful...I can only imagine how comforting it is to your grieving heart to ride around in such a special vehicle that belonged to your dear Dad. He is with you in spirit, my friend...I truly believe that. God bless the kind mechanic who handled "Cherry Delight" with such respect and diligence. I am so thankful your Mom is doing better, and I continue to pray for both of you. I trust you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and may your Christmas season be healthy, happy, and filled with unexpected blessings, sweet friend. Sending love and hugs to you today!

Stephanie said...

Awww...what a precious post! Indeed, grandpa would be ever so happy and pleased to see "Cherry Delight" up and running with YOU driving her around :)

This post was simply perfect to honor grandpa and his memory...

Enjoy your day and I will see you later. Lots of love!

Kim said...

Your Cherry Delight is a beauty. How wonderful to be able to drive this amazing car filled with so many beautiful memories. A lovely post, Debbie, honouring your sweet dad. How wonderful too, your mum is getting better with each day.

Unknown said...

your dad would be very happy enjoy

Debby Ray said...

What a beauty she is, Debbie! I can imagine you are driving on cloud nine when you are out and about in it! Oh, I wish my son could see it and if we lived near you, he could have been your shade tree mechanic but I am glad you found just the right guy for the job. I am so sure that your sweet daddy is looking down from heaven with a big huge smile on his face! I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving! Hugs to you, sweet friend!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

What a gorgeous truck! I think it is so wonderful that you have your Dad's dream truck to drive and keep all of those memories with. Have fun on the road!!

Buttercup said...

Cherry Delight is a beauty. Your father is looking down and beaming. Prayers and good wishes for your mother's health and for all of your family.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What a beauty!

Glad to hear your mom is gaining strength and doing better.

Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

Marilyn Mathis said...

What a precious memory of your dad. The truck will always be so special and you will not only remember your dad, but also how gracious the Lord was in helping you to bring this to pass. Many happy travels! Hugs.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Those are some very special memories. the truck is a beauty, but,I'm guessing that for you most of the beauty is in the memories it hold.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

This is just the best story! And, what a beauty. I know you are so proud to have this treasure plus the hand written note to accompany it.

So glad your Mom is making some progress. Bless her heart, what a journey she has been on.

Always, always a delight to stop by for a visit!

My Tata's Cottage said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sylvia said...

That is one good looking truck, Debbie! I know you are so happy having it and driving it around. So happy your Mother continues to improve.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Oh Debbie, what an incredible story! You have inherited the story-telling gift from your father! Indeed, such a sweet treasure this truck is for you to be close to your dad in such an incredible way! So thankful the Lord directed you to the right mechanic who lovingly fixed her up so that you can be "on the road again"! I hope you and your mother get to take a spin in the truck once she is well enough to do that. I am so thankful to hear of her good progress, and I know you are going to miss her as she leaves to go to Wyoming, but thankful for the amazing progress that she is making! Such a beautiful barn for the truck to be housed in to, and I will look forward to that story as well! May the Lord's richest blessings be with you dear friend!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Wow! What an amazing story, precious letter and one very cool truck! I'm not sure which I like better though, the truck or the GARAGE! How cool is THAT garage??! If it was me, that would be my work space -- forget the truck haha! Glad your mom continues to improve. I hope she is able to be in Wyoming for Christmas - that would be a real treat for her I'm sure.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

How wonderful to have that letter from your dear dad, Debbie! Cherry Delight is indeed delightful! I have always loved vintage trucks and knowing that you're driving around in that beauty just makes me smile. Your dad would be so happy! Thank you for the update on your mom. I hope she can go to Wyoming so, so that it is easier on her heart. God bless you as your enjoy your beautiful truck!

Saleslady371 said...

This is a wonderful story about Cherry Delight! You were wise to make the investment and feel your dad ever so near you as you drive it! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Jill said...

Love how the truck turned out. My husband has a 1962 Ford Galaxie convertable that he has had for years and needs restoring, but raising our girls that has been on the back burner... one day soon hopefully. This post really touched my heart and I even teared up... I lost my mom at the end of July very unexpectedly and I miss her every day.... I can feel the love you had for your dad in this post and my heart goes out to you. The hurt never really goes away and they are always missed. He would have been so very proud of how this turned out. Thanks for sharing your story and his letter... Have a wonderful week.

Blessings,
Jill

Creations By Cindy said...

How precious to have a letter in your daddy's handwriting. And girl, that truck! Oh that amazing, beauty! I would be gallivanting up and down that road in that sweet thing. Praying for your sweet mama and asking the Lord to keep her in His tender care as we both know He is already doing. Thanks for sharing with us and I do love your Cherry Delight.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Dianna said...

I so enjoyed reading here about Cherry Delight and why she was so special to your dad...and now to you.

I'm blessed to hear that your mother is making progress with her rehab and that she will be spending Christmas with one of your sisters in Wyoming. God is so good! xx

Pamela M. Steiner said...

What a wonderful story about "Cherry Delight"...and I know your Dad would indeed be very proud of you and that you are carrying on his legacy to you... Thank you for sharing that story with us. Praying still for your Mom to continue to improve and get stronger day by day. May your Christmas be merry and bright. Blessings to you today.

Ida said...

That is one "Classy" car! You are so lucky to own it now & I know your dad would be proud that you are showing her off.

Alessandra said...

What a gorgeous truck. Such a sweet memory of Your dad
Hugs Alessandra

shayndel said...

Such a beautiful story honoring your Dad and his dreams.
The Cherry Delight is so unique and fun and must be a delight to drive in and to keep your Dad"s dreams alive. Blessings! Have a nice day!

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Praying for you all.

God bless.

Anonymous said...

All I can say is WOW! what a car! :) and the memories of your dad...precious! enjoy driving it and remembering...

Sandra said...

Um clássico com muito bom aspecto.

Linda Walker said...

Debbie,
what a wonderful, heartwarming story about Cherry Delight! It brought some tears to my eyes reading it! Your dad is smiling down on you as you drive his beloved truck around town! So glad to hear your mom is getting stronger. It would be wonderful if she can get to Wyoming for Christmas! Will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs!!

Sheryl said...

Oh Debbie, what an amazing truck and wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing the `Cherry Delight´ with us and be sure that your dad is smiling down.

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