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I have always been a toy guy and an adrenaline junky. Growing up, I was allured by the latest release of cars, boats, motorcycles, campers...whatever. My wife, being quite (okay, VERY) frugal pushed back on nearly every purchase, which is a good thing or else I would be sitting in debtor's prison 🤣. I hate to say we fought over purchases however we did have some spirited debates. If (when) I prevailed I would often get buyer's remorse from the perspective of knowing I had gone against her wishes and felt a bit guilty for having pulled the trigger.
Sometimes she eventually embraced it, other times she couldn't wait for the new to wear off with me and I would get rid of it.
One day I told her that I was considering buying a Corvette and stood expecting her wrath. She stared at me for a minute and said "I think that is a good idea!". I had no idea what to do at that point!!! So, naturally I shopped around, found the torch red C6 GS I wanted (and coincidentally right in my back yard) and made the deal. This was March, 2023.
As it turns out, this was my wife's going away present to me. On July 2nd, 2023, she succumbed to triple negative, inflammatory breast cancer. In August we would have been married 45 years, together 48. It is now my daily driver and every time I hop in I think of her, without the regret I would feel if she hadn't endorsed the purchase. Recently I entertained the idea of changing wheels to ones more to my liking. However, I could hear her voice in the back of my head telling me it is fine the way it is and be happy with it. The next day I received a letter from Social Security with a check for monies they had figured out were owed to her. And, yep, about equal to the price of the wheels. One more gift.
Not sure why I am writing this, other than it is somehow cathartic and I am coming up on 11 months without her and need an outlet. I have a long road ahead of me but I know she is in my corner and we will reunite someday. Thanks for reading.
Thank you, every one of you, for your heartfelt words and for sharing your own personal stories. My faith has remained strong throughout this journey and I know we will be together again someday. As far as her being with me when I drive, being my copilot, this image comes to mind often when I am out cruising. God Bless.
I'm very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what I'd be going through when/if that day comes where I need to say goodbye. My wife and I have only been married for just over 20 years now (together 23), and I often wish she was as diligent in keeping me from throwing money away as yours was. I am on Corvette #6 since we've been married. I think I've finally landed the on right one for me just like I did with her all those years ago.
Sorry for your loss. Life is truly short. My girlfriend is the same way. Very frugal. My son passed away two years ago and loved the transformers movies. Specifically bumblebee movie. He would often bring me the movie case and want to watch it. So I named my vette after the movie bumblebee. Every time I drive my car I think of him and know how cool he would think the car is. I’ll have to post up my garage setup with all the bumbeee stuff.
I lost both parents to cancer. My dad saw pictures of the Vette but never in person. After I got the call that he passed, it sucked but I knew it was coming. When I pulled the car out in April is when I shed a few tears knowing he would never sit in it. Kinda teared up right now thinkin about it.
Good luck with everything.... Drive and enjoy that car like she would want you to!!!
Thanks for sharing your story. I was lucky enough to get two Corvette summers with the most incredible woman I have ever known before she was killed.
I have had my 2006 since new and would never sell it because of the memories I have of her and it. Her bobby pins are still in the cupholder where she put them 18 years ago.
I cannot imagine life without my wife of 48 years. And we worked together every day for the last 25. She also is there telling me that my 2012 C6 is fine just as it is. Enjoy the car as much as you can. Look over to her side every chance you can and thank her for the years you had together. As tragic as your story is, if it is any consolation, you have inspired a lot of us NOT to take our spouses/partners for granted. You were lucky to have had her for as long as you did. And feel free to unload here any time you need to. Hang in there.
She sounds like a keeper. She just wanted you to be happy. My doctor said I was diagnosed with a mass. So, I wanted a Corvette. Well, I'm still here 7 years later. Enjoy the ride. She will always be you. God Speed.
05-16-2024, 11:32 AM
My Bittersweet Corvette Story
your loss!
