Fingerprints all over my car..

On any normal day this thread title would make me gasp and want to go off on a 5 minute rant about people's lack of respect for other's property, but I wanted to share a recent meeting with the club.

It was a little on the hot side for my liking yesterday after work but wanted to get a run in before my fiancée got home, so I jumped in the snake and went to one of my local trails for a bit. Parking is usually good and the lot is right near a manned ranger post. When I got back from my lap, there was a couple and their two kids talking and checking out the car, I hit the keyfob to disarm and they turned around and said hello. I figured it would be the usual 'Hi, nice car, what is it?, etc...' type conversation and be on my way.

We swap introductions and they introduce me to their son Nathan. Nathan is 8 years old and is gradually losing his vision due to his battle with CP. The little guy was just filled with energy and spirit when I saw him and looked to be glad to be outside. Nathan, his father mentions, is in love with cars and wants to be a race car driver when he grows up So what does this have to do with the car? After a few minutes of talking, Nathan asked if he could touch the car . His father gave me the 'OMG, how can I let him down easy" look. I told him 'Sure, but you have to give it back when you're done, ok?"

Let me tell you, i am still not sure which was more priceless the look on Nathan's face or his parents, LOL. We double-checked him for any rocks or dirt on his hands and off he went, he must have ran his fingers over the body and front 10 times. The sheer enjoyment on his face made the hours of detailing that i need to do worth it, IMHO. His favorite part were the side fins. By this point there were a few more people stopping to take pictures, so i started it up for fun. While it was warming up and Nathan and his sister were dancing in the side exhaust air, LOL , their mother was telling me how she had quit her accounting job a few years ago to be a full time stay at home mom and that they really appreciated the 10 or so minutes and that this really made not only Nathan's day but theirs as well.

I know we all value our cars and treat them differently, but in my opinion yesterday was what its all about. At the end of the day, its just a car. I don't care if its a Ferrari, Lambo, Pagani, etc.. its just a car! If you can make someone's day, especially a child (more so a sick child!) then why not do it? I was very humbled by the meeting and just wanted to share it

great story, you are absolutely right.

That is totally awesome.

Great story and I'm glad to see that you "get it" and embrace your good fortune to bring joy to people that are presented to you from above.

God Bless,

Thanks for sharing (in more ways than one).

My life has offered me the opportunities many times to bring a smile to some of those that are a bit different or challenged in some manner. I think I get more out it than those we bring a small amount of joy to.

I don't advertise this but I normally let children and adults sit my car if they ask. (I use better judgement when it comes to teenagers acting carelessly if you know what I mean). The smiles, surprised looks, and sheer joy on another's face are worth the small amount of time it takes us with these cars.

I continually remind our college work study students that at the end of the day, these are only cars and they can be replaced. (OK...really fun cars)

Great story. I wish there were more people out there, willing to do the same. I usually let kids sit in my car, if asked. Unless they look old enough to drive, haha.

Every time my two nephews come over, they always want to get into the cars and pose for photos next to them. The one on the right is a certified car nut, he was making car sounds before he could talk.

I was up in MD and the wife and I stopped at Wegmans. I parked in the back (which is filled as well if you've never been to a Wegmans). As I was walking back I noticed a 6yo kid just staring at the car and him and his dad walking past. I shouted out and asked if the kid would like to sit in it. The boy lost his mind and was thrilled. I am sure that made his day. I always throw in the "Do good in school!" (even though I graduated college with a paltry 2.25 GPA!)

The cars are meant to be enjoyed, even by those that don't own them (of course in a respectful way). Anyone lucky enough to own a toy such as this should share them as much as they feel comfortable. Pay it forward. I'll sit and talk with adults for 1/2 hour if I have the time.

I'll talk with anyone about the car and I have no issues letting kids jump in it. The more "car guys" we have running around, the better luck we have of performance cars in 20 years.

Phew!!! I thought this thread was going to be similar to the one by an R8 owner who wigged out on our C&C board because someone dropped a flyer on the seat of his car.

Great story. Fingerprints wipe away in 5 minutes....the memory for the lad and his parents will last a lifetime.

Awesome story. You sure made his day.

Great story; and the kiddo will remember it forever!

That's a great story. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing.

Great story! Love seeing the little guys and girls get fired up when they see the Viper. I hand out these little 5 inch long Vipers when the little enthusiast come around.

Bravo!...excellent story. Something he'll probably always remember.

Cheers,
George

I think it was Barry Meguiar that mentioned in one of his interviews that there are always worries that the car culture may be lost on newer generations due to video games and internet, etc.. I agree with everyone here that we can do our little part to encourage the enthusiasm and curiosity for kids and cars. Ok, not just cars; but more favor to it

Glen97: that is awesome!

best post ever on this site!

you are one special Viper owner!

Touching story. (No pun intended)
Def created for lack of a better word "hallmark moment"
Thanks for sharing

I'm glad there are other people out there who see this the same way I do. Making someone's day is worth every fingerprint!!

moparnav...you're a class act. Thanks for sharing.

Great story!

Great story. I just had a similar experience 2 weeks ago only without the declining eyesight of the youngster... that part of the story makes it so much more touching.
Glad we're all creating future viper nuts!
Thanks for sharing

Glen97 said:

Great story! Love seeing the little guys and girls get fired up when they see the Viper. I hand out these little 5 inch long Vipers when the little enthusiast come around.

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Great idea

Great story! Thanks for sharing.

+1 again for a great story.

You're a good man, Moparnav. Your fiancée is a fortunate woman.

Good memories .....thanks for sharing ...

It seems age make no difference when it come to these cars. Had to make a run to the store a few weeks ago so I drove a white/blue 96 Rt I was finishing up. When my wife and I were walking out of the store I told her I bet someone parked close to it or they will be taking pictures of it. And sure enough someone was in front of it taking pictures. Turned out to be a older gentleman so we talked for a bit. And his wife told my wife that he and his cousin send pictures and share stories about the cool cars they had seen.Kind of a competition. I offered to get a picture of him in the car but he declined to sit in it. Still made my night to share the viper experience with someone who appreciates nice cars.

I often let children sit in my ACR at Cars and Coffee, and though I do not have such a beautiful story as you shared, the comments from so many who really get it are wonderful to read. Thanks not only for sharing, but also for creating a heartwarming vehicle for so many others to express their joy and wonderment this car can elicit!

Awesome story! A few years ago I found out a friend of a friend had a son who has some disabilities whose favorite car was a Viper. The mom asked if I minded driving the car over one day for her son to see. Ofcourse, I said yes and she took lots of pictures and video. Here's the video she uploaded to Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbve_A_WeLo

I don't drive the Viper much these days, but opportunities like this will always be my most fond memories of Viper ownership.