(image by worthassociation.com)
While riding my motorcycle this morning, I ended up following a red Mitsubishi SUV.
It was exactly like the one I owned while stationed in Japan in the early 90's.
(image bycarfinder.com )
Out of all the cars I’ve owned in my life, I distinctly remember this particular vehicle.
Why?
Because less than 48 hours before I was FINALLY leaving an administrative position and going back to an operational unit — something I’d been waiting for since I’d arrived three years prior — a Navy JAG Officer visited my office with some bad news.
I’d totally forgotten about the strict laws regarding car ownership in Japan.
For example, no one is authorized to purchase and own an automobile unless he/she can prove that he/she owns or has rented a long-term parking spot first.
And the laws specifically pertaining to U.S. Military and DOD personnel states: ‘…at least 24 hours prior to transfer, all personally owned vehicles must be sold or properly discharged to an accepting Japanese dealership or government waste processing site (junkyard).
…Failure to do so can result in the immediate cancellation of the offender’s transfer orders!’
So, what did I do?
I got all the forms I needed from the legal department to “Sell’ my SUV to an unsuspecting Junior Corpsman that I thought was a good, honest kid — FOR EXACTLY 99 CENTS.
He and his new Japanese spouse were both shocked and overjoyed by my surprise gesture.
I just said, “You’re welcome. But believe me, you’re doing me a much bigger favor.”
IMHO, it was a win/win.
(image by 123rf.com)
They got a fine car for less than a dollar and I got to transfer without delay.
Warning: JaiChai Philosophy Inbound.
For me, moving on with my life was worth much more than that vehicle.
If it were allowed by the regs at the time, I would’ve gladly given it away.
And the smiles of joy and sincere gratitude from that hopeful, just-starting-out couple was a big, heartwarming bonus.
To quote Dr. E.A.P (my late father and mentor):
“Too many people allow their possessions to ‘possess them’. You can replace things; but you can never replace the people, relationships and meaningful experiences in your life. Knowing that, which one do you think is worth more?”
Submitted for you to ponder in a quiet place.
May you and yours be well and love life today.
In Lak’ech, JaiChai
(JaiChai 30 SEP 2031. Simultaneous multi-site submissions posted. All rights reserved.)
