[MagmaJct]

My grandparents lived in northern California. As a child, I live in San Diego. Mom would take my brothers and I up to northern California twice a year to visit.

My grandfather was considered legally blind, and my grandmother had never driven in her life. My mom would start the truck up, and drive it to places while we visited. I still remember the smell of the interior to this day, along with the smell of the garage!

My grandfather passed away in the early 90s. My grandmother passed away around 2000. As a child, I always wanted that truck. I asked my mom if I could have it. But my uncle insisted he get it. This upset me greatly, because he'd earlier acquired my grandparent's Cadillac (early 80s) which was barely driven. He turned around and sold it for the money.

Also, he already owned a 68 or 69 C10. What possible reason did he have for wanting a 71 C10? He got the truck. A few years later, he offered to sell it to me for $3,000. I didn't have the money, and there wes no hope of getting it. I resigned myself to the fact I'd never see that truck again. I made peace with that fact.

A few more years passed. My mom called me. She told me my uncle had died. It was a solemn moment. After a few seconds had passed, she said: "So, do you still want the truck?" To which I responded: "Well, at the risk of sounding like I'm not bothered by his death, yeah!"

That was over 10 years ago. Sadly, he got rid of the camper shell (pictured in my avatar as I write this.) I still keep a keen eye out for a similar shell.