God’s Grace

There is so much that went on this past week and I’ve been having a hard time figuring out how to report on it all…some things having to do with Rudy and his care, some things having to do with the life of our family and SO MANY things we are still processing in our minds and hearts. In some ways I feel like we’ve been darting all over the map both physically and emotionally and then it dawned on me yesterday that there is an emerging common thread of “God’s grace” evident in all that is going on and suddenly it all feels very much connected and intertwined!

I think the shock of Rudy’s cath results is starting to subside and the heaviness is settling in…Rolf and I are both having a hard time focusing during the day and daily tasks are taking twice the amount of energy and time to accomplish. Nights are the worst…the hours between 2 and 4am are especially bewitching and restless sleep is the norm these days. My week last week culminated with the need for a root canal which added to the feeling of agony and heartache (not to mention toothache!). And, yet, in the midst of the “pit in my stomach” pain and uncertainty, there is an undeniable, deep-rooted peace. It’s a curious experience…pain and peace coexisting equally in the very same moment. Our good friend Bob describes it as the “miracle of God’s presence” and I have to agree. God’s presence brings with it peace and His sovereignty brings hope and the two are powerful antidotes for fear and despair. The feelings of sadness are very real and yet the penetrating peace and hope of God are just as real and bring comfort to a mother’s (and father’s and sibling’s) tender heart…ah, God’s grace!

The miracle of God’s presence was also demonstrated about 3 weeks ago when a sweet, young family visited our church for the first time. We bonded quickly with this family and found out as we visited after the service that they lost their 4 year old daughter a year ago November. Joele’s condition was different than Rudy’s but she had similar equipment and so the connection took on even more depth. A week later we shared common stories of frustration with insurance battles and medical supply mishaps when the subject of wheelchairs came up…when we shared about our current battle to get Rudy a comfortable and appropriate wheelchair or medical stroller, Kara’s face lit up and with tears in her eyes she explained how she had been praying for direction about whom to pass on their daughter’s medical stroller and believed Rudy was the one. Long story short, I picked up the device the day before Rudy’s cath to try it out for the weekend and it couldn’t have been a more perfect fit! The minute I put Rudy in it he kicked his feet in excitement and clearly felt like a big boy sitting up high and supported in the middle of whatever’s going on. The generosity of Jeff and Kara in the wake of their own deep loss is profoundly moving to us…ah, God’s grace!

ruppert family1 — Thank You dear new friends!

(For those of you who inquired about contributing toward Rudy’s wheelchair, we are now transferring our monies and energy toward the purchase of a modified van to accommodate Rudy’s new device. Please know your gifts will be used toward this purchase and benefit both Rudy and our family as we settle into this next phase of Rudy’s mobility!)

After the draining week we had last week, I wasn’t too excited about the full weekend we had ahead of us but “duty” soon turned to “joy” when I realized that the weekend was full of events that represented my big kids’ passions…Wilson’s first drumline performance in the GVJH marching band, Max’s football season finale and Olivia’s ability to combine creativity and fun as she prepared for Halloween. Just a few days earlier Dr. Rick encouraged us to “not worry about Rudy and love all our kids” and here we had a weekend filled with “out of the ordinary fun” that helped me grow in my love and appreciation for our kids, their interests and their heart. This weekend was a helpful reminder that the lives of our older kids are active and colorful and rich and should be freely celebrated with gratitude and love…ah, God’s grace!

005 — Max's cheering section at the last game of the season! It was a tough season, Max, but we are so proud you played hard to the finish and didn't give up!

Halloween 002 — Halloween Fun with Wilson the Wizard, Max the Miner, Olivia the Red M&M and Rudy the Lion!

Looking ahead, Rudy has two more doctor appointments this week and by the end of Friday, we will have touched base with all of his specialists and updated everyone. So far, no one wants to make any major changes in Rudy’s treatment. I spoke with Dr. Shapiro (UCLA ENT) late last week and she agrees with Dr. Pornchai that our next move should be to wean Rudy from the trach. She feels the scar tissue detected in Rudy’s airway during his bronchoscopy in July could likely prevent him from having a successful sleep test off the trach so she wants to remove that scar tissue before his sleep study. We scheduled that procedure for next Tuesday (November 9th) . Rudy will need to stay the night for observation and we’ll return home on Wednesday if there aren’t any complications. Once he heals, we’ll do the sleep study (hopefully in the next couple of months) and then start weaning him off the trach maybe at the start of the new year. Under different circumstances this would be a real exciting milestone to conquer but, I admit, my heart is heavy over it knowing the only reason we’re moving forward on this is because the Glenn isn’t happening…oh, for more of God’s grace!

Other than that, Rudy is happy, active and none-the-wiser! He thought Halloween was pretty cool but thinks Wilson’s drum set from school is even cooler…

GO HOME, Moriah!!!

We haven’t heard anything from our friends, Justin and Victoria, today. Last night, for the first time in well over a year, saying good night to their little Moriah didn’t mean kissing her on the forehead, checking in with the nurse and heading home with the phone close at hand. Greeting their little girl this morning meant simply stumbling into the next room. MORIAH GOT TO GO HOME YESTERDAY!!!

As this week has had it’s share of tears, it feel so good to have happy ones rim my eyes as I type this. This is an unchosen journey, but we are buoyed by having met some incredible people on the way. As we’ve felt burdened by their struggles, we truly rejoice with them over such significant milestones.

It might seem appropriate to wish the Nelsons a peaceful weekend, but I’m inclined to pray for the opposite. I hope they have an exhausting one. Not the kind of ICU-exhaustion they might be accustomed to; but the kind that comes from having to read the same book seven times in a row…from taking long walks around the block to keep a little one occupied…from never-ending games of peek-a-boo behind the couch…from just plain being giddy over the goodness of God evident in the precious little girl before them.

We love you, Nelson Family!

Palliative Care With A Plan vs. Without

Rolf and I had another early start Tuesday morning to make it to UCLA for a 9am appointment with Rudy’s pulmonologist Dr. Pornchai Tirakitsoontorn. We were eager to talk with him and hear his thoughts about Rudy’s heart cath results. Like us, he is surprised by the lack of pulmonary progress which doesn’t leave him feeling very positive. The fact that there hasn’t been any change since January’s cath is not a good sign in his opinion. The lungs can regenerate and see rapid growth in the first two years of life…regeneration can happen up to age nine but at a much slower rate. He is not, however, without hope. He said he had patients in the past who, at age 3 or 4, all of a sudden saw pulmonary growth so he is not giving up hope for potential improvement for Rudy but there isn’t anything we can do to promote that growth. There isn’t a drug he isn’t already on or a lung treatment that will improve the issues of O2 sats and pulmonary pressures.

Since the Glenn is not an option at this time, he is recommending decannulation and would like to start the process of setting up a sleep study at either Chilren’s L.A. or Orange County to make sure Rudy can breathe without the trach overnight before we begin weaning him. Rudy’s ENT, Dr. Shapiro, will also need to weigh in and let us know if the scar tissue in his airway needs to be removed before or after the sleep study. Either way, it will need to be removed before we can wean him so his will be a slow process of decannulation.

After our appointment with Dr. Pornchai, we met with Dr. Rick over coffee (and a diet coke!). He reviewed the cath results and talked with Dr. Dan so he was up to date on the latest. As always, we appreciated his time and found it comforting to talk through the “big picture” with him. He couldn’t offer us any new alternatives or a “plan B” but he was reassuring. At one point I asked him “What do we do, Dr. Rick?” and his reply was “just what you’ve been doing!”. Rudy’s heart surgeon, Dr. Brian, met up with us in the hallway and confirmed that there is nothing surgically he can do for Rudy at this point but that he could put in another shunt if need be. So, we didn’t get news of options for Rudy but we were comforted to touch base with key members of his team. We just kept asking the same questions to everyone hoping someone would give us a different answer…but everyone is in agreement.

I met with Rudy’s SB Endocrinologist today and updated him. At one point he said to me sympathetically…”The heart surgery is no longer an option (That’s right) and you understand what this means (Yes, I do) Well, you are doing remarkably well. Rudy is strong and you continue with his palliative care”. When we talk about keeping it all in perspective, I think this is key to remember because nothing has really changed in Rudy’s condition or care. His treatment plan was never “curative care” – his has always been “palliative” (Medical or comfort care that reduces the severity of a disease or slows its progress rather than providing a cure). I guess “palliative” feels alot more secure and less threatening when there’s a plan in place (i.e. The Glenn procedure) but our goal with or without a plan remains the same…just like Dr. Rick said! We do all we can to keep him healthy, comfortable and happy. And whether we are waiting for that “touch of God” pulmonary healing, new medical advancements or letting go, the reality is God is in control of it all and we’re all in His hands.

When we left yesterday, Dr. Rick walked us to the elevator, gave me a big hug and told me not to worry about Rudy…just love all the kids. It struck me as we were driving home just how good his advice is. When you are stripped of a plan of action, it’s real easy to get caught up in the disappointment and obsess over the lack of a plan…we need to resist this temptation and live life in the moment…loving our kids and believing wholeheartedly that we will navigate through this no matter what. Rolf and I both feel we need to face the harsh reality but do so with deep hope. Whatever will be WILL BE and we have no less control over what is to come than we did yesterday. My mind is adjusting but my heart is slow to follow…our hearts are breaking.

UCLA4 — Daddy teaching Rudy "Udder Ball"!

UCLA7 — We didn't mind the wait except "Nasonex"-man kept creeping us out...

UCLA1 — A stop in the CTICU...glad to see Drs. Robert and Rick & Nurses Denise and Vicky

To add to the drama this week, Rudy has discovered how to pull off his oxygen mask and freely demonstrated this new skill throughout the day yesterday!! A little frustrating since we’re dealing with a two-year-old who suddenly has an ornery streak!! We certainly don’t need him sabotaging his own treatment at this point. It was a little frightening to wake up this morning and find he pulled the mask off during the night…we’re not sure how long he was without oxygen but he seemed ok today. When we wean him off the trach, he’ll need to get his oxygen through a nasal cannula…yeah, that will go over real well!!! Ok experienced heart moms…HELP! The crazy boy has and always will keep us on our toes…thank you for your continued prayers. Your prayer support is essential to us and we are grateful!!!

Still Processing…

Today was a low key day getting Rudy settled again and trying to put what we learned yesterday into perspective. Rudy is bouncing back quickly…he woke up uncomfortable and fussy but perked up after a dose of Tylenol. Rolf and I have been walking around in a bit of a fog not getting a whole lot accomplished but I’m thankful we had today to decompress.

So, now we sift through all our questions and try to figure out what it all means. As Rolf reported yesterday, Rudy’s lungs have not shown any improvement and because of the high pressures and his chronic pulmonary disease, he is not a candidate for the Glenn. His lungs would not be able to support the recirculation of the Glenn and he would, most likely, not survive. Needless to say, we are deeply disappointed. As it stands now, the Glenn is off the table. Unfortunately, Rudy would not be considered for a heart transplant either for the same reason. He would need healthier lungs to support the acceptance of a new heart. We didn’t inquire about a complete heart and lung transplant…it’s too early in the process to consider that, I think.

Both Dr. Harake (SB cardiologist) and Dr. Dan (UCLA cardiologist) agreed that the good news is Rudy is content, happy and growing in his present state. The shunt put in his heart during the Norwood procedure at birth has narrowed a bit (started out at 5mm and is now at 2.6mm) but is in good condition, allowing the necessary blood flow and his right ventricle is strong so he is in a “safe” place while we wait. Dr. Dan also pointed out (and we agree) that eventhough the results are not at all what we hoped for, they are definitive results making it very clear we are not to proceed with the Glenn. If there had been a slight improvement in the oxygen levels or a decrease in resistance, we would have found ourselves in a gray area with the temptation to move ahead potentially putting Rudy at great risk. Now, it’s very clear we wait. What we’re waiting for, however, is not so clear.

Drs. Dan and Harake didn’t want to comment too much on what options we may have until they conference with the rest of the cardiology team (which will happen early next week) as well as Dr. Shapiro (ENT) and Dr. Pornchai Tirakitsoontorn (Pulmonologist). It just so happens, we have a scheduled appt with Dr. Pornchai on Tuesday morning at UCLA and a follow up appt with Dr. Harake here in town next Friday so we should have more information by the end of next week. The bulk of our questions are for Dr. Pornchai at this point…we need to find out if there is ANYTHING we can do to help improve the health of Rudy’s lungs. Dr. Harake wants us to continue the two Pulmonary Hypertension drugs Rudy has been on the past 6 months. We hope Dr. Pornchai will know of any other medications or therapies that might address the ventilation and circulation issues in Rudy’s lungs. Dr. Pornchai has always been optimistic that the lungs would regenerate as they often do in the first 2 years of life. Since Rudy is now two, we wonder if there is still hope of regeneration or if we have maxed out on that window of opportunity and his lungs are as good as they are going to get.

Drs. Dan and Harake were able to reassure us, though, that we’re not dealing with a ticking time bomb. When Rudy begins to outgrow the Sano Shunt, it will be a gradual thing that Dr. Harake will be able to monitor during our monthly echo appointments. As far as we understand at this point, if Rudy were to outgrow the shunt and his lungs were still not ready for the Glenn, they could put in a bigger shunt. People have survived years with shunt replacements. Of course, this is not the best case scenario for us but it is comforting to know we’re not on the lookout for sudden heart failure!

There is still alot of discussion that needs to happen among the doctors involved and we’ll take our time to wade through all the information but, for now, we feel we need to make a big mental shift and proceed as if the Glenn is not an option in the near future. This is significant because there is quite a bit in Rudy’s care that we have shelved until “after the Glenn”. We feel (and Dr. Dan agrees) that our next step is to go to all of Rudy’s specialists and let them know that the Glenn is not an option and inquire as to how they would proceed in caring for Rudy in their area of expertise. Things like….revisit the plan to decannulate with Dr. Shapiro, talk to Dr. Kelts about Rudy’s food aversion and getting him to a food clinic of some kind, maybe changing the approach to his physical therapy, etc. Our primary concern has always been Rudy’s quality of life and that hasn’t changed but “quality of life” now has a broader definition. We don’t believe that Rudy’s condition is as good as it will ever be but we also feel like we are at a point where we need to provide an opportunity for Rudy is develop as much as he is able to in his current condition and not wait for his condition to improve as we have been for fear of putting too much stress on his heart, etc. We’re still not sure what that means for us exactly and we’re still trying to process our feelings about it all but we have hope, a deep trust in the power of God and love for each other so we walk in faith that these things will indeed remain throughout this journey – wherever it takes us.

Rolf and I are also very grateful for the care and concern we felt from Dr. Dan and Dr. Harake in all of this. Dr. Harake said at Rudy’s monthly appointment on Monday that he was so proud of Rudy and yesterday he sat with us for a long time as we absorbed this information and reiterated how exceptional Rudy is…very tender in his communication to us. We were touched this morning by a follow-up call from Dr. Dan to not only check on how Rudy was doing physically after his day in the cath lab but also to find out how Rolf and I were doing…so patient to address and affirm our concerns. One thing is for sure, we couldn’t be in better hands and we are grateful Rudy has a team both here in Santa Barbara and in Los Angeles that care deeply for him. We are blessed by them and you! Thank you for all the amazing comments, emails and Facebook messages…for your prayers and for feeling the hurts as well as the joys with us. We are overwhelmed with mixed-emotions but we are ever-grateful.

Anxious for Thursday…

We set the appointment for Rudy’s next heart cath early in the summer. October 21st was such a long way away. Now it’s almost here–and with it a good dose of anxiety. Back in January, his last cath showed that he was “not a good candidate” (read he wouldn’t survive) the Glenn surgery that his heart needs. The pressures in his lungs were too high (pulmonary hypertension) and they weren’t fully oxygenating his blood. The team was hoping that there would be enough time (at least 2-3 months) for two medications to address the hypertension and to overcome his lung damage. As we’re always on the lookout for the little miracles along this journey, we recognize one in that his little half-heart has kept right on chugging along to give far more time for all this to work…if it’s going to.

So the challenge lies in not letting our minds get swept up in all of the possible scenarios. What if the medications didn’t work? What if the lung function hasn’t improved? What if they find something else? What if they decide it’s time to do the surgery? You don’t want to prepare yourself for the worst; but hoping for the best seems risky given the potential of a let down. When we look at Rudy and the way he’s developing, we really want to assume things are favorable, but heart kids are tough to read and Rudy has proven to be unique beyond that. Until we get good data from the cath, we just won’t know. So, we get sleep when it comes and try to keep our minds from wandering farther than they already do. We’ll have the information soon enough.

We’d appreciate your prayers for Thursday. We’ve got a 6AM call time at UCLA, so we’ll roll out of SB at four. If they do any interventions (angioplasty or coiling collateral veins), we’ll have to stay the night. This is what we’re preparing for as his last two echos might indicate a narrowing of the aorta that may need to be opened up. If they don’t see anything to address, we may be able to get out by the afternoon. We’d appreciate your prayers for a good outcome: 1) for those lung pressures to be nice and low so Rudy would be able to handle the Glenn circulation, 2) for the blood to be fully oxygenated as it’s leaving the lungs and 3) for Rudy’s comfort and safety during the whole process.

Request #3 is especially poignant to us due to his development over the last year. He is so much more active and so much more aware of his surroundings. During his extended ICU stay and most of his follow-up procedures, he was relatively passive and calm. But that isn’t the case now, as evidenced by our ECHO appointment with Dr. Harake this week.

Harake with Rudy — Sure, he looks very cooperative...

But then he got pretty feisty. I think the paper on the table makes cool noises. Given that an echocardiogram is supposed to give somewhat detailed and precise measurements of the heart, I marvel at how Dr. Harake accomplished this. I wasn’t able to video any of the actual test because I had to hold Rudy down (picture calf roping at the rodeo and you’ll get the idea).

Praying that this spunk will carry him through. Thanks for walking with us. We’ll post updates Thursday as we have them.

Another “First”

Our string of very special guests (that began last May with Rolf’s cousins from Germany) ended this weekend with a visit from our friend Susie…particularly noteworthy as she is Max’s godmother and now lives in Kansas so we don’t get to see her very often. Reconnecting with old friends with whom you have special, shared experiences always brings an extra measure of comfort and reassurance, for some reason. 🙂 We’re glad for this time with Susie-Q.

This weekend also held “a first” for me, Rolf AND Rudy…Thanks to Rudy’s connections, we were invited to a Hindu wedding. Dr. Sonal Ram (yes, one of Rudy’s docs at UCLA) married Dr. Robinder Khemani (an attending at Children’s Hospital L.A.) in a tradional Hindu ceremony on the most beautiful farmhouse property in Los Olivos. We were honored to be invited. My fears about being in a remote part of the Santa Ynez Mountains miles from any medical help were quickly relieved when we realized that there were about 300 medical professionals among the wedding guests and 6 (or more) were a part of Rudy’s team specifically!! Ha Ha What a treat it was to steal away to a magical place for a few hours and nurture relationship with some of Rudy’s docs & nurses OUTSIDE the context of a hospital – a rare opportunity, indeed!

Dr. Sonal (and her brother) on her wedding day!

Is there a Dr. in the house? Yep, Drs. Myke, Julianne and Ryan

Our journey with Rudy brings a richness in relationship and new experiences…on all kinds of levels. Another “first” for which we are grateful. Congratulations Dr. Sonal!!

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!

Well, I finally figured out/got around to posting the article that ran in last week’s Santa Barbara News-Press about Rudy. Needless to say, we’re still pretty tickled about it!

Click here to read:

NewsPress10-10-05

Grandma Jo got a taste of celebrity on her plane flight from SB to Denver. Her travel neighbor was going home after visiting her daughter in Santa Barbara and when it came up in conversation that Grandma Jo was in SB visiting her daughter’s family and grandson who has half a heart, the woman replied “is that the boy who was in the paper?!”. Ha Sadly, Grandma Jo returned home to Kansas on Wednesday. Rudy is missing his playmate. 🙂 He liked all of Gma’s songs and games. And, now, after a string of really big events, it’s back to the regular routine on the homefront and preparation for Rudy’s heart cath next Thursday. ‘Heading into another big season…

gma and kids3 — Thanks for a fun visit Grandma Jo!

A Great Day For A Walk

We couldn’t have had a more gorgeous day for the AHA Heart Walk on Saturday…35 friends joined our family for the walk and cake celebration after the 5k stroll along the waterfront in Santa Barbara. (A fun mix of friends from the Rescue Mission, my Bible Study, La Patera Elementary School, Coast Community Church, NurseCore, and Los Angeles…and, of course, Grandma Jo!) It was a day of laughter, tears, celebration and thoughtful reflection. We were blessed by the outpouring of support and thrilled by our team’s fundraising effort totaling over $8,000.00!! Thank you, all, for this impressive collective effort! Wilson, Max and Olivia embraced the day and were enthusiastic participants of the walk…they inspire me! I’m so grateful Rolf and I get to do life with them. 🙂

Like a great deal of this journey, the pictures tell a better story…

red caps — Grandma Jo and Rudy wearing matching "Survivor Caps"!

A sea of "Rudy blue" at the start of the walk.

Heart Walk 3 — Walking side by side with Logan's parents - Rayme and Brett

rayme — A day filled with memories of Logan Elliott

Heart Walk 20 — ...and other special heart-buddies

Heart Walk 4 — Rudy took a nap along the way

Heart Walk 9 — A strong finish by Mom and Dad

Heart Walk 12 — Comfortable on Grandma's lap

Phew! All of our “BIG” events are done now before Rudy’s cath on the 21st. We’ll have some last minute fun with Grandma Jo before she leaves on Wednesday and then get ourselves organized for the quick trek down to UCLA…Thank you dear friends!

Saying Hello…and Goodbye

The activity continues this week at a fever pitch! Just when we feared things would calm down between the Birthday and the big Heart Walk this weekend, a story about Rudy was featured in Tuesday’s edition of the Santa Barbara News Press. We’re so proud and are working to get it linked or posted online for all of you Rudy fans to see.

An equally big highlight for me was the chance to meet some true heroes. I had an opportunity to attend a conference at Stanford and, while it’s always fun to go prowl my alma mater (even if the only students I know to look up are kids of people I went to school with!), I was most excited that it would give me a chance to finally meet the Nelsons. Over the course of Rudy’s journey, we’ve come into contact with many families facing similar circumstances–and a few of them become your friends.

If you read their blog, you will quickly get a sense of Justin and Victoria’s devotion to little Moriah. Recalling my chance to see it first-hand makes my eyes a bit moist; love, concern, wisdom, joy, celebration, faith, hope, beauty in such abundance. Moriah is adorable and her parents are such people of peace and grace having been thrust into one of the most challenging parenting scenarios conceivable. Over the last two years, we’ve received vivid reminders of just how much might be asked of us as parents, but that becomes so clear when I see parents who have relocated, quit jobs and altered their lives to an unbelievable extent on account of their child’s needs.

Among the graces extended to Rudy is the fact that he didn’t come when his parents were in their mid-twenties. I am in awe of Justin and Victoria and the way they have navigated this. With her third birthday approaching, Moriah still has yet to spend any significant stretch of time at home. But it’s getting very close and our prayers are with them–for Moriah’s health and for the mountain of logistics that need to be overcome with insurance, home health, etc. in order to get her there. What awesome people. What a great visit. I hope I’m not being to forward if I insist on doing it at YOUR HOME next time! Be sure to check out their blog and pray with us.

Nelsons — Justin, Victoria and Moriah proudly displaying their Rudy swag!

Devoted Rudy fans might have recalled yesterday’s significance…October 6th. Five days after his birthday. That unforgettable day two years ago when he had the Norwood (remember this and this). As much as this date is etched into memory it got a bit overshadowed yesterday when Olivia got home from school and discovered that her pet fish, Allen, had gone to the great fishbowl in the sky. As I was out of town, Max officiated at the memorial. He shared that Allen was a good fish and he made Olivia very happy during his short life. He gave unselfishly and asked nothing in return except for daily food and weekly changes of water (hindsight indicates that neglecting the latter may indeed be fatal). Olivia is doing well, buoyed by the prospect of getting a new fish after school today, but draws comfort from us all remembering Allen–there was no beta like him!

AllenAlive — Allen doing what he loved to do.

Allen's Grave — Allen's final resting place.

OK to Drive!

Thanks everyone for your prayers. The antibiotics seem to have done their magic and, with the demise of ED and EFD, Rudy’s diapers are holding containment and the smells emanating from there are the usual kind.

We laid lower than usual for the past couple weeks, but as Rudy got his spunk back, we ventured out to have some fun. Down at Ventura Harbor on Saturday, Rudy was intrigued enough by the car ride to tolerate the din of the arcade:

Back home on Sunday, he felt up for taking his own set of wheels out for a spin. Check out that leg strength–Fred Flintstone’s got nothing on him. Not to mention that back and neck strength!

Cars are cool! Especially red convertibles. The same cannot be said for red trains:

After all, you can’t sit behind the wheel of a train and hoot and holler. No girls can hear you…you need a convertible for that!