Vol 8 Issue 1
If one of the first minivans fresh off the assembly line were a person today, it would have just rolled “over the hill” as it recently turned 40 years old. It might even be in the market for a minivan of its own to transport its kid’s teammates to ball practice or to take the family on a road trip to Branson.
It might find itself staring in the mirror, stressing over a receding hairline and asking serious questions like, “What am I doing with my life?” Of course, this is just a funny word picture, but the fact is that first-generation minivans went into production in 1983, so it’s not hard to imagine them in the middle of a midlife crisis.
The basic concept behind the minivan’s design was to provide a vehicle sized to fit in a standard garage while still providing plenty of room for the family and their belongings. Minivans actually drove like a car but could still tackle cargo like sports equipment, camping gear, and luggage like a pro. These vans were never intended to be “sexy,” but they also never pretended to be.
When I was growing up, my dad drove a 1987 Aerostar, Ford’s first minivan. Even at my young age, I could still feel somewhat embarrassed by the oversized breadbox he was driving. Now that I’m a dad of three very active children, I realize that this purchase was more-or-less a practical necessity for our family dynamic.
My dad coached my sports teams from the time I was 4 until I was 12. In agreeing to coach, he was also agreeing to be the team’s taxi driver. More often than not, you would find him in the school pickup line loading his 5-speed minivan with as many kids as it could legally transport to drive us to the local field or gym.
I have quickly learned that this stage is less about what our kids are doing than about what we get to do with and for them! I’ve also come to understand that my dad was never as concerned about driving a stylish car as he was about having a vehicle that helped him best care for his family. Let’s be honest, as a parent, what’s more important than that?
That is why, as we embark on a new year, we are excited to present the theme of “Kids Thrive in 2025” for this Issue. We understand that nurturing our youth is not just a responsibility; it is an investment in our community’s future. Wishing you and your families a joyful and purpose-driven start to 2025. Your town. Your life. Your magazine.
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