Porsche, and German cars in general, have been a family institution for generations. My grandfather owned and operated a German auto shop for the entirety of my mom’s childhood. My grandmother drove a Porsche (in the same Merlot color as my mom’s) as soon as they were able to afford the luxury. My mom was married to a Porsche mechanic for years. My mom rallied in a Porsche 911 for some seasons. For over 100,000 miles worth of road trips and daily driving, my mom drove a Cayenne. In January of 2017, she bought her dream car. She only had it for five months before her passing, but the car itself became a symbol of her for some in the family.

A Porsche 911 in the same style and color as my grandmothers (above), and my mother’s Cayman (below).

This was her “I just bought a Cayman” face.

I have since purchased her Cayman, and have been trying to drive it the way she would’ve wanted–fast.