Ashley and Brittany Hill
To the Hill Sister’s the Jeep® is an expression of the American Dream. It is an American icon that allows one to find a way to do the things they want to do- both physically and mentally.
As we were driving down the tails in the suburbs of Chicago, Brittany and I reconnected with our past and began to think about the roads we’ve traveled on and the incredible people we’ve met along the way. We like to call these historical figures “American Legends.” Like the Jeep Brand, these historical icons pave the road with stories that create new trails.
When we were in grade school at St. Isaac Jogues, we took it for granted that we could just walk to downtown Hinsdale on a Friday afternoon and go to Jade Dragon with our friends. In a sense, we were able to be “grown ups” with little or no responsibly in this amazing picturesque town. We like to joke and say, “Those were the good old days.”
After spending a few weeks in Chicago, Brittany and I got back into our Midwestern routine of coffee at Toni’s where we would bump into our good friend Ben, a daily brainstorming session at the Hinsdale Library, and then a trip to Lifetime Fitness in Burr Ridge where we ran into our old neighbor Mary Ann Pengiel that remembers our backyard off-roading adventures in our very first Power Wheel Jeep Wrangler.
This past Memorial Day, we wanted to do something special. From one hotel room to the next, it is so easy for us to lose track of what day it is, but this year I circled it on my calendar.
We teamed up with Hinsdale’s VFW Post 250 and drove our new Jeep Wrangler in this year’s parade. As I slowly drove down the cobblestone streets of downtown Hinsdale listening to the tunes of Stephen Kellogg-trying not to bump into the band ahead of me, we shared stories of our past with local Veterans and Hinsdale’s Mayor, Thomas Cauley.
After the parade, we met up with our friends for a trail ride. As we caravanned to Fullersburg Woods, we found three other Wranglers in the parking lot.
A casual afternoon turned into a serendipitous Jeep experience. Whether the three Wranglers that were already parked planned to meet, or not, that’s what the Jeep community is about, sharing a moment, maybe a parking place, a smile, or the idea that we all “get it.” We understand that we share the community of adventure and acknowledge that through a wave of appreciation.
As we head deeper into the trails, we plan to highlight some of our forgotten heroes. We plan to discover the past as we embark on a new adventure across the country to meet, learn, and promote the success of the American Dream.
As Robert Frost whispers into your ear before the sun sets on the Mighty Jeep… just remember that you have “miles to go before you sleep!”
As Fourth of July rapidly approaches, smile and wave to your fellow Jeepers! Pass it on…
See you on the trails!
Brit & Ash
