This is a touching story that every parent and child can relate to, a story about how one man’s love for his family was larger than his love for any possession, and a story about how his kindness was repaid by the very people he made his sacrifice to help: his children. Like many great stories, this one begins and ends in a garage. Rich Tipton sold his Corvette in 1989 for the sake of his family, and when it was returned to him this year, he was reduced to tears instantly.
It was a yellow 1977 Corvette, a car that had some significance to Tipton. It was the car that he drove on his honeymoon, the car that he borrowed to use for prom, and the car that he took on vacations. That Corvette was almost as much a part of Tipton’s life as his wife was! But when he found himself the father of a 6-year-old girl and a pair of young twins, Tipton decided to sell the car and use the money to take care of his family.
He was separated from the car for many years, but in 2014, while at a car show with his daughter, Tipton saw his old car again. He considered buying it back, of course, but at a 70-year-old man, he decided that it wasn’t the right choice to make. Once again, he placed his priorities elsewhere for the sake of his family. Fortunately, his daughter had other ideas.
In the video below, you can see Tipton’s tearful reaction as he is reunited with his beloved car, but more important is the demonstration of the love between family members. Tipton’s initial decision to sell the car was paid forward completely when his children returned the favor, and any child could be inspired by the love that these three show for their father.
