We’ve been a one-car family since we moved to Asheville.
It worked.
We both work from home.
I’ve got the motorcycle if I need it.

But lately… it’s been time.

So this weekend, we packed up the car..
My wife, my daughter, our dog..
And headed west to Nashville.

Stopped for Froyo first because it's a Friday tradition..
Got stuck in traffic for hours.
Finally made it to the Airbnb and crashed.

Next morning, Alma and I woke up early, made a plan for the week.
And then they dropped me off at the dealership.

I’ve loved Dodge Challengers since they came out.
Loud.
Mean.
Excessive in all the best ways.

Years ago I even rented one...
but it was a six-cylinder.
Didn’t hit.

This time felt different.
There’s been a pull.

We found one in Nashville.
And as soon as we pulled up...
I started crying.

There it was.
Backed in.
Sitting under the awning.
Looking exactly how I hoped it would.

And in that moment, I knew.
This wasn’t just a car.

I’ve wanted this for years.
But I didn’t need it.
Didn’t use it to prove anything.
Didn’t wrap my identity in it.

It was just something I’ve always wanted.
And this weekend… I said yes.

But here’s the part that really got me...
my family was there.

They knew what it meant to me.
And they wanted me to have it.

The win wasn’t the car.
It was being surrounded by people who backed me all the way.

Who see what I do for them.
And know that sometimes…
a loud, ridiculous muscle car is the right kind of thank-you.

🚀

– James
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