The 7-letter Word

The word that ought not be spoken has been spoken in our home:  minivan. 

To those who do not (yet) have one, it is the very symbol of family un-coolness.  Those who do own one sing of their amazing features, (yet non-owners remain unconvinced). 

I'm not sure anyone sets out to have a minivan, and many of us--while still kid-free and in our early 20's--swore we would never be owners.  And yet . . . so many have given into the minivan trap.  And we--yes, my family--are the latest victims.

About 2 years ago, a friend of mine got a minivan.  She tried to convince me.  "Just give into the stage of life we are in."  Misery loves company, I thought.  Not in the market for a new car, I laughed it off.  Recently, we found out our Honda Passport was dying a slow but sure death, and we began to look for a suitable vehicle for our family.  We ruled out larger, V8 engine vehicles because we wanted better fuel economy.  I pushed for a Mazda 5 or a Subaru Outback, but when it came down to passenger & cargo space, a minivan became the only affordable option. 

With a very, very limited budget, I didn't get all the things on my wish list, but we got an amazing deal on a used van that only had 24,000 miles on it.  I can't say I'm not disappointed that I didn't get leather heated seats, but we have what we need and I'm grateful for that.  So Rebekah, I gave into our stage in life.  It may take a while to embrace, but I am enjoying keyless entry for the first time in a long time!