ok guys I need some advice/support here. My hubby got me a new truck for graduation, it was my dads truck a 99 dodge ram 1500,beautiful truck, but, it makes me feel sad and happy all at the same time. I had seen my dad drive that truck for 3 years.He would drive it to nebraska to visit, he took my kids to branson in it etc.Now when I look out the window and see it all I can see is him stepping out of it with his ball cap on and those darn plaid shirts. I feel like crying right now as I type this.How long do you think these fellings will last and how will I handle actually getting in that truck and driving it for the first time? i scared and I don't know what to do about it.Hubby went to a lot of trouble to get this truck so we could keep it in the family, you see my mom was trying to sell it but she just couldn't bring herself to give it up to anybody. So give me some help here guys and tell me that my feeling will go away, on the other hand maybe I don't want them to go away.What do you think? HUbby just handed me a glass case with a pair of my dads old glasses in them that he found in the glove box,my mom cleaned this truck out after my dad died and said that there was nothing left in it, too weird.

You are still in mourning; a natural part of dealing with the trauma from the loss of a loved one. When my dad died, my mom couldn't get herself to go to the cemetary to plant flowers for 5 years. And it took me over two years to feel comfortable being in their house.
The length of mourning is different for each person, but eventually the warm feelings of his memory will settle in and ease all other feelings out.

Renee, it will be a bitter sweet thing to drive that truck... but I guarantee after a while it will be a loving memory for your dad when you see it. It will remind you of him AND he would be PROUD of what you've accomplished to get through nursing school.

thanks guys I knew somebody would help me out. I have been detailing the truck all day and took it for a drive into town.It felt really great to be in it, i think it is going to be ok.

Renee, as time past, you'll be so glad that you kept your Dad's truck in the family. The way that you are feeling now, is very normal. Bittersweet feelings about situations are just a part of life. If you feel like crying...don't hold back, because crying is also very normal, and you are so lucky to have other family there for you. Your pool family is also here for you. Take care.

I hope all is well in the end.

I always wish I had talked my mom into keeping my father's last car. It was a 69 Impala rag-top. He died in 1976, when I was 11. Mom sold the car in about 1982 or so.

It would have needed full restoration, but boy, how I would have loved to be driving that car today, not because of the car, but because it was my dad's.

I still use his rickety old sawhorses, and I wear his wedding band. You will be serving your father's memory and spirit well by driving and caring for this truck.

Best Wishes to you, and congratulations on your graduation from Nursing School. Nurses are the backbone of the health care profession. I am sure you will excell at your chosen profession.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Yankees15:
Nurses are the backbone of the health care profession. [/QUOTE]

ditto.