Death of a Family Icon

The "Big Wheel" had become a family icon. Years ago, when Ethan was 2, we bought him a Big Wheel. Since then, it had driven more miles than our Dodge. Tires and brakes were original. Paint was original. So were the stickers. In fact, the tires had been stopping and going so much, Ethan and Preston had worn a flat spot on it. Flat to the point that there didn't exist any plastic in this one spot. Just a gaping hole. The kids look like Bobbleheads going down the sidewalk when they are on this thing.

We had played with the idea of permanently retiring the Big Wheel (i.e., throwing it away), but somehow it managed to avoid it. It was put in with the moving van when we left for PA and arrived with the rest of our junk.

We bought Preston a brand new one for Christmas, but somehow-- and for whatever reason-- this old relic had been the preferred mode of transportation.

Sadly, the icon has died. Just when I was ready to have it bronzed for posterity, Michelle had the insensitivity to throw it away.

We are now in mourning...