Last May I traded my '08 JSB coupe for a Silverado. My intention was to wait until April of this year and pick up a Z06 or possibly wait for the C7 and see what that is like.

I REALLY missed my vette. I found a beautiful '08 triple black 3LT vert. with nav and Z51. It had 91xx miles on it. I picked it up September 30 and drove home from Dallas.

Shortly after that my father (who lived in Alabama) had to be taken to the hospital and was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He ended up in hospice care.

I truely regretted my purchase of the vette. It seemed petty and selfish. I even contacted two forum members who were looking to buy and I offered to sell. Both were put off by the color.

My Dad died on December 30. I made many trips to see him. It was terrible to see him waste away. I was relieved for him when it was over.

On New Years Day I had to get out of the house so I uncovered the vette. It was 52 degrees and sunny so I put the top down.

I drove for a long time and rowed through the gears. By the time I got home I realized how **theraputic** the drive was. I realized how often that had been the case before and I had just not realized it.

So, for me, as long as I enjoy it and can afford it I will continue to drive vettes as I have for more than 10 years.

Now I will enjoy it even more.

RIP Commodore.

 

Sorry for your loss.

I had a therapeutic ride, in 52°F weather yesterday, in my GS, as well.

 

Sorry to hear about you Dad.

 

Sorry for your loss.
It's been rainy for a week now and haven't had the Z out in about three weeks.
I need some therapy!

 

Sorry about your Dad.

I am glad you could get that triple black therapy in ya !!! I find second and third gear especially therapeutic.

 

My condolences for your loss. One of the reasons I bought my GS was many of my friends have fallen to cancer and illness. I told myself to live your dream while your still healthy because you don't know what tomorrow may bring. Driving IS IN FACT therapeutic!!!

 

My dad always got a smile when he would see me with a new vette.The last one he saw was my V.R.08Z.His response? HOLY COW !!!

 

Tough loss with you Dad.

Therapeutic driving is just the reason I bought the C6.

Mine is usually drive once a week and it is always special, even after 4 years.

 

I sold mine when I had a recurrent cancer pop up. Missed it terribly for the same reasons, even though selling was the "right" thing to do at the time (mostly for $$$ reasons).

But, here I am looking for a Z. Like you and other posters mentioned... you only live once - so who cares what other people think, if Corvettes are your thing and help you stay centered then go with it. Those other people may not understand it, even though they do the same thing shopping, or eating, or latching onto family, etc. Everyone has their own way of finding happiness in life: one of your outlets just involves 4 wheels and an LS3.

 

I'm sorry about your Father....losing a parent is tough. My condolences. In the grand scheme of things a Corvette is just a car. IMO unless you let the car take precedence over other, more important matters there's nothing "petty and selfish" about owning and enjoying it. I tend to think your Father would be happy for you because you have a car you enjoy so much. I agree with you...a drive in the Corvette can be great therapy. You can clear your mind and leave your troubles behind (if only for a while). It's a good thing!

 

I turned 45 on Dec 30 sorry for your loss.

 

Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad! I find that driving the Corvette is great therapy also! Nothing better on a warm summer day with the top down, the sound of the exhaust and rowing through the gears. We seem to forget all this, when they sit in the garage, but it revives again once behind the wheel!

 

There's never a bad time driving a vette. Even in stop and go traffic on my commute I always have a smile of my face.

 

Thanks to all for the replies. Life is indeed short. I am 54 and I intend to live whatever time I have left without regret.

Black LS2 - I also find 2nd and 3rd gears especially helpful.

Raazor - Happy birthday.

Rob62 - My Dad loved to see me in my vette. He would never think it was selfish or a waste in any way. He was a yachtsman and he understood the call of something special. He had a great life!

 

My condolences for your loss. I am going through this now. Pops is declining fast. YOU ARE OH so correct in the theraputic magic the vette does to our minds and souls. Bless you and your father. May he rest peacefully finally.

 

I am so sorry for your loss. My mom died the same way many years ago. But I wouldn't confuse your the happiness with your car with your father's death. He would have wanted you to be happy and have a good time in life. That is why he brought you into the world. So, drive your Corvette and if it fills the hole in your heart, then that is fine. Going on a mind clearing excursion to remember your dad is what he would have wanted you to do. And guess what? He's probably right there in the seat next to you with a big smile on his face. Just don't forget to tell him when you start the car, "Buckle up, Dad. We're going for a great ride!!"...........

 

Sorry for your loss...Keep enjoying your Vette.

I do agree the Vette is therapeutic...I would drive mine today to see my surgeon for a follow up visit from my prostatectomy back in the summer except it is raining. Just won't be the same tooling over in the Ranger but I'll take it as it could always be worse.

 

Sorry for your loss.

 

You and Pops will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Thanks again to all who replied here. I was hesitant to post becasue this is a personal thing. I'm glad I did post. As always, it is good to hear from the good folks here on the forum - it helps.