Saying goodbye to an old friend

Friday afternoon, as I was vacuuming the living room, there was a loud pop. The vacuum cleaner noise got super loud, and an electrical smell started coming out of it. I quickly turned it off, checked the roller and the belt, and finally resorted to taking it apart.

Eventually I found the culprit. A plastic piece that helps hold the engine in place had snapped off. I knew at once that even though it was a really simple thing that was broken, that I wouldn't be able to fix it. You see, this vacuum is somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 years old. There is no way I would be able to find a replacement plastic thingy.

I finally realized the inevitable, did some online research, and then went to the store and bought a new vacuum.

I felt (and still feel) a little ridiculous, because I am feeling sentimental about the old vacuum. It was more than just a vacuum though. It was one of the vacuums that my grandparents (the dead ones) had used in their cleaning business. They gave it to me after I got married. It was a simple little vacuum that had been tweaked a bit by my grandfather to up the power. I had been proud of that thing, and every time I used it I would think of them.

I was able to finally come to terms with getting rid of it when I thought about what my grandmother would say to me. I am sure it would be something along the lines of "Oh brother, just go buy a new vacuum already!" So I did, and it's all shiny and doing a great job, and I'm sure we'll be very happy together.

RIP Hoover Windtunnel 1500. You were a great vacuum and served long and well.