the last word
by sandi tomlin-sutker

MY BODY, MY CAR

My car broke down last week. Stopped right in the middle of the road. A nearby mechanic checked it out, said it had “jumped time” and needed new timing belts.

When I picked it up, he asked me: “Did you realize it was three quarts low of oil?” Well, no. If I checked it regularly, as I should, I would have known it. And then I would have filled it up with that important elixir! My car is old—a 1986 Subaru wagon with over a quarter million miles. I’ve always loved and driven old cars—and I must admit, usually have driven them “into the ground.”

What I realized this time is that I drive my body in the same way. I do value its age and mileage and ability to keep plugging along. But I have expected it to do that with minimal upkeep. It’s as if I’ve let my body get three quarts low of oil. My car lost its timing—and I think that’s an apt metaphor also. Pay attention to the necessities of each day. Don’t get ahead of yourself. And remember you can’t go anywhere without your body, so appreciate it and treat it well.