My insurance agent suggested I write a report about the car. Reminiscing about it turned my text into a rhetorical piece.  I present to you an open letter to the thief who stole my car:

Dear person,

As I sit here wondering what I ever did to deserve the violation of privacy you just pulled, I also take a moment to realize just how blessed I actually am despite this situation being one of many curveballs I’ve been facing lately. As crappy as it is to unfairly lose my car to someone who clearly lacks consideration and respect to a woman who could probably definitely kick your ass, at the end of the day it’s just a car.

At the end of the day, I have a family. These people love me so much that they have always encouraged me to be a better person, all the time. They are examples of real people who grow older and wiser and teach me to set a standard for myself so that my children can look up to me and not down on me… it’s become a habit to not jeopardize my conscience for a selfish, money-driven thrill, like stealing.

At the end of the day, I have the support of a husband who, no matter what, will drive me anywhere I need/want to go. Sometimes it’s because he wants to. Other times, it’s because he knows he has to ;) But knowing that I can rely on someone who would do anything for me makes me feel like a million bucks. Instead of feeling stranded, I feel secure. Real, true love makes you feel that way, no matter how low your bank account is.  I don’t think you know what that kind of love feels like and I’m sorry you don’t.

At the end of the day, I have a REAL job that helps me pay for my commute to work. It pays me to stay healthy and safe. It also provides financial security for me and family. I earned my income. I didn’t take it away from someone else.

What do you have?

I doubt you have the love of a family who can stand behind you and encourage you to do better for yourself. Even if you did, it was your choice to turn away.
I doubt you have a partner you can trust and make you feel like a real man (or woman).
I doubt you have a job. Stealing Cars, Inc. ain’t exactly handing out W-2’s to its employees.

The economy is tough, but Americans are tougher. Do something with your life so that your ancestors wouldn’t look down on you and say “wtf is this guy doing? There’s an STi RIGHT NEXT TO IT! Steal THAT one!”

That Honda has been with me for over 15 years. It took my sister to daycare and both of us to soccer games. I learned how to parallel park in it during practice drives with my dad. I would drive to high school just across town and college across the state. It saw me graduate twice. It saw me through the rollercoaster of a courtship and eventual proposal from Ryan. Now, the car that saw me through my best and worst times is gone.

I want to pray for you, forgive you and thank you.

I pray that you find it in your heart to follow Jesus. No, not your chop shop mechanic, I’m talking about our Lord and Savior.

I forgive you for violating me, my husband and our neighbors.

Last but not least, I want to thank you. You made me realize that I’ve come a long way in life and have quite bit to show for it, looking back on the last 15 years. You, however, don’t. I hope that one day you do.

x’s o’s & a slap upside the head,

Melissa Will