The Escort

She joined our family in February 1986: Ian was 5, Allan was 3, Richard was 4months, and Paul was not yet a twinkle in our eyes. She replaced Ned's pension from Ncora, Transkei. She was nifty, economical until she started ageing (aren't we all!), and faithful. She had her fair share of bumps and attempts at being robbed, but recovered and carried on regardless. For a time she was immobile until the necessary replacements could be afforded and fitted - and then she became Ian's constant companion from the time that he received his driver's license and escorted him throughout his 6 student years - and I know that a strong bond developed between the two of them. She never complained about the very late nights/ early mornings that she was expected to keep - or about waiting around when Ian was doing night shift at the blood lab or hospital as a student intern. And then she became Allan's constant companion when he lost his 'wheels' to robbery, and safely escorted him to wherever he had to go. Throughout the years she was faithful, uncomplaining, and long-suffering through accompanying toddlers, pre-schoolers, primary schoolers, high schoolers then students. She didn't complain when she was 'demoted' from escorting Ned to work to being the run-around scivvy for the rest of the family. I think she was relieved when, during Ian's later student years, I decreed that she was no longer fit to travel beyond the borders of Pretoria - not even to Jo'burg. For the past few months she has been pretty much retired - although she still looks smart and has new shoes. Another person is interested in her services now - and we are negotiating the transfer from our service to his. Some of us will be sad to see her leave - and others of us will be happy to have the space she occupies available for other usage. Strange that, through the 22 years that she has been an integral part of our family, we have never given her a proper name - always just called her 'The Escort'.