Saying Goodbye to “The Beast”: A Joyride Through Time
A Trusted Companion
Some cars are more than just machines—they’re part of the family, witnesses to our lives, and keepers of memories. “The Beast,” a 2010 Toyota Yaris, was one of those cars. It wasn’t just a mode of transportation; it was the trusted companion of countless adventures, unexpected detours, and even a few wild mishaps. But as with all good things, the time came to say goodbye.
Missy, the original owner, first brought The Beast into the fold when she drove it off the lot in Athens, Georgia. It was new, shiny, and full of promise.
Enduring Trials and Tribulations
Back then, Athens was home, a place where life moved at its own pace. But as the years rolled on, so did The Beast. When Missy upgraded to a Subaru, The Beast found a new caretaker—Raoulie. Little did he know that the car, with its unassuming frame, would become a road warrior, tackling the relentless commute between Atlanta and Athens five days a week.
The Beast was more than just reliable; it was resilient. Through rainstorms and road trips, potholes and parking mishaps, it stood the test of time. Raoulie took care of it, ensuring it was well-maintained—even when that meant replacing the windshield twice. Once, a large branch crashed down on the car in his Athens driveway, shattering the glass. Another time, a runaway chicken (yes, a chicken!) made a dramatic—and short-lived—bid for freedom, ending up on The Beast’s windshield on his way home from work.
A Bittersweet Farewell
But after 14 years and nearly 300,000 miles, The Beast’s engine finally called it quits. It had given everything it had, leaving Raoulie with a decision: What next? The car sat in your driveway for six weeks, not because he were unsure of what to do, but because he wasn’t ready to let go. The memories were too many, the adventures too vivid. The Beast had seen you through so much, and saying goodbye felt like closing a chapter on a significant part of his life.
In the end, Raoulie decided to donate The Beast to Habitat for Humanity. It was a fitting tribute to a car that had carried him through so many miles and memories. As the tow truck arrived, the driver expertly used the incline of the hilly street to guide The Beast onto the flatbed. It was a close call, almost taking out the guy riding on the back—The Beast’s last hurrah.
Now, The Beast will have a new purpose. It will be auctioned off for parts or scrap, with the proceeds going to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission. It’s a fitting end for a car that’s given so much—a final act of service, helping others just as it helped him.
So, “peace out to the mighty Beast,” Raoulie said to the car that was more than just a car. “Thank you for taking care of us all these years!” The journey might be over, but it’s legacy will live on, helping build homes and futures for others.
Learn more about our Cars For Home Program.