Great story Randy!
In a way it reminds me of that Mercedes commercial from a year or two back. I think it was mentioned here back then...... the one where the whole commercial is from the "eyes" (interior shot) of a 1970-something Mercedes Benz....... it shows it's whole life "flashing before its eyes" - from the day it was purchased brand new back in the 70's (complete with a red bow on it given as a gift to a wife much like Randy's story) - to all the special occasions the couple had in the car, being sold to new owners, etc, etc, until we see that its life is flashing before its eyes because the car is in the final moments as the car crusher at the wrecking yard is smashing it.
As a "car guy" that commercial literally brought a tear to my eye.
But then in the end it "opens its eyes" again and realizes it has been reborn from the recycled scrap metal as a brand new 2003 Mercedes, ready to live a new life all over again.
