A few weeks before our wedding, Dave showed up at my apartment door singing a revised version of Madonna’s “Material Girl.” He sang “Convertible Girl” instead. He stood there, with his phone in video mode and a set of keys dangling from his other hand.

Confused, I looked at the keys and then around him, to find a white BMW Z3 Convertible in the parking lot. I don’t think I have ever been so surprised in all my life. He bought it for me as a wedding gift.

It’s a stick shift, so I’ve spent a few weeks re-acclimating myself to the manual transmission. The last time I drove a stick was when I was 17 and had a little 1966 VW Beetle.  Dave took me out for several lessons, and I gradually started driving it myself.

But, this morning was my first solo top down drive I’ve taken in it. It was a gorgeous morning.

Every once in a while I hear a song that reminds me of Mama. In particular, Elton John was one of Mama’s favorites. When Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” came on the radio, I cleared the groceries out of the seat beside me and invited Mama to join me for a ride through the park. It was a sweet feeling singing along with her.

I love these moments when she’s so near.