I was asked at what point a car ceases to be a car. If it runs out of gas and cannot move is it still a car?
What if the engine is broken, and therefore it would not matter if there was gas, once it is broken is it still a car?
What if both the engine and transmission are beyond repair?
What if you cannot even push it because the tires and wheels are gone and it is sitting on blocks beside the road. Is it still a car?
If it bears some superficial resemblance to a car, is it still a car no matter what condition it is in or whether it works or not?
After thinking for a few minutes I responded: It was never meant to be a car. It was always about the destination. When the car stops for whatever reason, you get out and walk toward the destination and have gratitude for how far the car was able to take you before it stopped. It was never about the car in the first place. You must keep moving.
He was grateful.