It ran, Rose's confidence soared, and car and man had cemented a long-term relationship that now extends to John's car. When Rose talks about Austin Healeys, a boyish grin spreads across his usually thoughtful face. A grin molded by an obvious affection for the cars and tempered by the realities of owning one. I suppose you know this only if you've owned one - seem to have a personality. Personality, yes, and a less than stellar dependability record.
Weekends often find father and son working on the finishing touches of the car.
Unlike Rose's Austin Healey of college days, John's is not a restoration project. But it did have a number of maintenance projects. Rose approaches this latest automotive challenge with the same methodical, analytical calm in which he approaches his job as JMU's president. He sees important life lessons being passed from father to son. Lessons he learned from a high school friend - a friend who never did any less than his best at whatever he was doing, who never compromised quality for speed or convenience.