MJT ~ Tribute to a Love Story

This is a story about a young man, a young woman, and a car.  It's the story of how lives as two kids in Pennsylvania are brought together by love and where their love led them.

In the early 70's, she wasn't known by the initials MJT.  She was Mary Jane, a girl with her first car:

A 1971 Alpha Romeo

Maybe you can imagine the times she had in this car and the memories it holds?  Most people have long since replaced or disposed of these wonderful treasures.  Not Mary Jane.  

It wasn't long before Mary Jane met a special boy.  As destiny called it, he too...had an Alpha Romeo.

Some things are just meant to be. 

Mary Jane married this boy, Loren Sr., they moved to Illinois and had two wonderful sons.  Both cars came with them.  Now you know the story of a love meant to be and a car tagged "MJT".

You also know one of their sons...  Have you figured it to be "Long and Lanky Loren" or LLL yet?

We here know him best as Pig Pen's side kick.  I even refer to him as Pig Pen's "other wife" on occasion.  I told them recently they need marital counseling.  They fight like brothers actually.  Because they really are in a sense!

Sometimes blood doesn't make family.  Occasionally the lines get crossed and you are blessed with friends that become family.  And if you are even luckier still, your family are your friends.  They become one.  That's Our "Long and Lanky Loren".  Family and Friend.

Even though he gets ornery and leaves things behind for me all the time...

...We'll keep him.

And this deserves thanks.  Thank you, MJT and Loren Sr. for many things past, present and yet to come -including LLL.

As the years have gone by, many things have changed for this family.  MJT has continued her career in nursing, the boys have all moved out; and ever so sadly, two years ago this July, Loren Sr. succumbed to Pancreatic Cancer -far too young. 

I am sure he would have traveled many more roads with MJT, maybe even in a restored Alpha. 

It's hard to fully understand why God calls us home, but He does to each of us by name.  Finding comfort is so difficult.  It is a long road and maybe the hardest one we ever travel.  When we lose a loved one, a piece of us goes with and pieces are left behind.  Those pieces are cherished as beloved memories of a husband, father, son and friend.

So in memory of Loren Sr., let's propose that the story not end here.  Let's write another chapter.  Maybe he would want that...

How about making some memories come to life?

MJT recently made the decision to part with the Alpha Romeo.  It was not an easy thing for her to do, as I am sure you can understand. 

Remember how I said the lines between family and friends can cross?

Well my friends, it's being crossed.

Here's how...

MJT would have never sold this car to any Joe Blow.  But Pig Pen is no, um -Blow?  It was still very difficult for her and I don't blame her one bit.  But the Alpha deserves to be restored to all it's glory and as it goes, Pig Pen will be taking care of some household things for her that need doing.

A trade of sorts.  Now don't think for one second this car will never delight MJTs loving hands on the steering wheel again.  It will, someday!

Oddly enough, Pig Pen doesn't even want the Alpha for himself.  Before you get all up in arms, it will remain in the family. 

Lines...remember the lines.

Have I failed to mention that POPS has restored many vehicles as pet projects over the years?

Well, this was his Father's Day from us:

Let me tell you, he was ecstatic!  He's always wanted to have a fun convertible and he truly enjoys and takes pride in restoration! 

And the funny thing about the day we brought it over to him, he was working on his sisters 1980 MG convertible too!

MJT, one day...your car will rival this one yet again!  If anyone can work magic, it's Pops!  He will do you most proud!

As hard as it was to let this treasure of yours go, it will always be "In the Family" and loved!

Don't be surprised if sometime in the next year or so, you hear the familiar sound of a horn toot in your drive way...

Because he's already getting parts in...

The work is already underway...

And you will be at the top of the list when this baby rides the road on her own again...

It's all in the family forever my friend...  and if you needed further assurance Mrs. MJT, consider this:

Maybe we can convince Pops to keep the name and think of it as "Mike and Jan's, Too!"

Like I said, some things are just meant to be.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.