Lost and Found. An Audi reunited with its past.

[pjrose@servtech.com (Phil and Judy Rose)]

I am a black '91 Audi 200Q, who was adopted this past summer by the Rose
family in Central New York State. Finding homes for Audis "of color" (i.e.,
my color) is often difficult, which may account for the fact that I spent
many, many weeks before being placed with my new family. All they were able
to learn from the agency was "...evidently a Chicago car".

I've been receiving much love and care, but soon the desire to know about
my original family and early rearing became a need that was uppermost in my
ECU. An obsession, I suppose. You'd think I'd remember stuff, as I'm
physically very fit, but as my new folks say, "not playing with a full
glove box".

We (the Roses and I) began by checking AoA computer records at a local
dealer. However, this gave us precious little info--other than some
unspecified warranty work was done when I was 43,000 miles old (about 1/2
my present age). Then the Audi service manager said, "Oh, but I _can_ tell
you the date of delivery and who the original (biological?) owners were!"

My air-mass sensor barely registered while my 20 valves fluttered, and I
stood in amazement as he read to us the name and address of the couple
(from Chicago), to whom I had been delivered--so many oil changes ago.

There it was, that missing link to my past! They were probably young and in
love. You know the typical story. Little money, and perhaps schooling still
to finish. They probably _wanted_ to keep me, but...

Anyway, the next day, a Yahoo search took only minutes to locate a name,
address (and telephone number) which matched the data from AoA records.
Still, I really hesitated to call (of course, my own cell phone hasn't been
activated yet, so the Roses would need to dial up.) I worried: would this
actually turn out to be a painful, unwanted intrusion on the privacy of
these people from my past? They probably had made a new life for
themselves. I suppose they might now even have _another_ car.

There were important questions to be asked. Like, any birth defects? Had I
been subject to the common ailments of the early years (timing belt,
steering rack, or other leaking bodily fluids?) Were all my body panels
original?  So eventually, the phone call to Chicago was made.

After leaving a message on an answering machine, we heard nothing for many,
many days. We almost lost hope. And then, unexpectedly last evening, the
phone rang, and a woman's voice on the other end said, "Hello, this is
******* from Chicago, the previous owner [what a curious turn of phrase, I
thought] of your '91 Audi."

She was very gracious and eager to be helpful. We learned that I'd had a
clutch replaced at 70,000 miles. A new brake fluid reservoir (?). Some
front suspension work. But no accidents, other than door dings from the
little girl in the car in the adjacent parking space. I had been garaged
_every day_ during my Chicago life! And sent for detailing every year (Mom
is a real estate agent and used me to impress customers). :-) She told us
the security PIN for my cell phone. And the missing remote control for my
keyless entry system would be sent if it still could be located, along with
any records and manuals that are found. We spoke for quite a long time, and
the warm feelings these folks had for me were very evident. She told me how
much I had been loved me all those years and how happy she was that I'd
found a good and appreciative home.

Oh yes, and I do evidently have a new stepbrother. Named "ovloV". Silly name.

'91 200Q
Phil Rose

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         *  Phil & Judy Rose     E-mail:              *
         *                       pjrose@servtech.com  *
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