Car Show

This is Earl at a car show in Bradford, PA, sponsored by the ZIPPO lighter factory headquartered there. His 1957 Chevy is the pride of his collection, purchased a few years ago afer decades of looking and waiting. He owned one as a teenager and finally bought a mostly original specimen that a fellow collector found and offered to him. He won best in show award for it at this venue last year, but the main reason he and the others attend such gatherings is to share in their collective respect, love and enthusiasm for automobiles. From original cars to modified cars to old cars still running despite rust and fading paint, owners find kindred spirits here with whom to talk the trade. One immaculate 1949 Packard had been in the same family since it was purchased new all those years ago, now preserved and displayed like a family heirloom. Because Earls wife is suffering from stage 4 cancer, this was a wonderful respite from caregiving to just enjoy himself; Beth and I both noticed his broad smiles for the first time in months. The weather was sunny and 65*, a perfect afternoon that attracted even people who do not normally attend such events.