Turning 80 is a big deal, so it’s understandable why Merry Grace wanted to help her dad Leslie celebrate it properly. Because the man, who is battling Alzheimer’s, is a huge gearhead, she asked the people of Maricopa, AZ, to help make the day memorable. They did by showing up in force for a car parade as the octogenarian enjoyed the sights.
Even though Leslie struggles to remember things, the man can still rattle off all kinds of facts about classic cars he sees when out and about.
On Leslie’s birthday, the community turned out, with people bringing their classic and modern cool rides to show off, from Mustangs to Challengers, hotrods, lowriders, motorcycles and more. According to Merry, more than 100 vehicles cruised by to pay her father respects for his 80th birthday.
The gesture made Leslie feel appreciated, something Merry seemed to enjoy. Leslie’s wife died several years ago from Alzheimer’s, so the man has been stricken with grief and is now struggling with the very thing which took her away.
Not only did people cruise by to show off their rides, two people took the 80-year-old for rides, giving the man a real thrill.
Too often, gearheads are portrayed as overly materialistic and selfish, as if the only thing they care about is cars. While they certainly love their rides, many would put family, friends and others before any machine. What’s even sweeter is when they can use their cars to put a smile on someone else's face.
