New Car Smell

Recently my family upgraded our ride and relieved the old van of its years of loyal service. Our beautiful new Dodge Caravan, not only opens its doors with a press of a button but opens new doors in our lives.


More than ten years ago we realized that it was time to purchase a vehicle that could accommodate my family's unique needs. My parents applied their very particular set of skills that they have acquired over a long career, to find exactly what van would suit us the best. It was apparent with the technology at the time, that to comfortably seat a family of five—two of which were in large power wheelchairs—we had to either go big or go home. We finally settled on getting an extended wheel-base GMC Savana, the largest non-commercial van that one can obtain. The next step was getting state funding for the Mort-Mobile to be modified for wheelchair accessibility. My parents, again using their skills navigated the system and made it happen, I will spare everyone the details of the intricate process. Getting the van was a tedious process but my parents always do whatever it takes to get us exactly what we need, for this I am so grateful. This accessible vehicle allowed us to continue to go out into the world despite our circumstances. The last few years even more freedoms were opened to me with the van, as my parents allowed a few of my friends to drive it.


Our old van, nicknamed the beast was not without its flaws though: it's massive size made it impossible to go through car-washes and park in garages. It also drew a lot attention to us on the road, people always felt the need to quickly get around the grey behemoth. For years we made do with these inconveniences, happy in general with what it gave us. As time went by the ware of the years began to show but our loyal mechanic kept us rolling. This year we started to give serious thought to upgrading our ride. Technology had come a long way and we learned that a minivan could now accommodate us, but to be sure we decided to try one out. We rented a Dodge Caravan and my mom and I took a trip to Boston. If you missed my post about the trip check it out here: Adventures in Beantown.

The van worked out great; we were sold on the idea and we started the process of getting a new van again. A few months later we found ourselves the proud owners of a brand new navy blue fully accessible Dodge Caravan.

We knew as soon as the Mort-Mobile Mark II pulled into to the driveway that our lives were changing for the better; with this beautiful new vehicle our world opened up just a little more. The new configuration allows, either my brother or I to park our chair in the passenger seat and instead of a bulky lift, the van hydraulically kneels and a ramp folds down. Some of the other great features include: a back up camera, a remote starter, power doors and Sirius XM radio. We have especially enjoyed the Sirius radio, recreating both the Almost Famous Tiny Dancer bus scene and the Wanye's World Bohemian Rhapsody scene. If you haven't seen either scene check them out here: 
Almost Famous.

Wanye's World.

One thing that really stood out to me was getting to go though the carwash for the first time in years, I'm easily entertained from time to time.

We also were able to take back our anonymity, we can now move like any other car on the road. It's was my mom who remarked that she felt free now and I wholeheartedly agree. In life, to keep moving is to be truly free. Our new van is so much more than just a hunk of metal and plastic riding on four wheels, it is a new lease on life—it is freedom.

P.S Marion Cotillard