Restoring memories: A young man’s tribute to his best friend

By Anna Westhoff

ORONOGO, Mo.—Michael Westhoff’s hands drip with oil as he leans over the hood of his father’s 1970s Ford F-150. This truck is not just a vehicle; it stands a symbol of love, loss and remembrance. Over the past year, the 18-year-old has dedicated hours to restoring the truck, each turn of the wrench carrying a deep personal meaning. His goal? To drive it to his high school graduation in May in honor of his late best friend.

“This was our favorite thing,” Westhoff says, with a hint of emotion in his voice. “He loved this truck more than anything. We used to sit in the back, talk about life, listen to music. Now that he’s gone, I just feel like I need to get this truck running.”

Two years ago, Westhoff’s best friend took his own life, leaving behind an empty void. The loss destroyed him, but as time passed, he found comfort in the thing they cherished the most—the F-150.

Westhoff’s father, Tom, has watched his son’s journey with heartfelt admiration.

“They were inseparable,” he recalls. “When we lost him, it changed Michael. There was this sadness in him that I didn’t know how to fix. But one day, he just decided he was going to fix the truck. That’s when he found purpose again.”

Michael has taught himself nearly everything he knows about car restoration, mainly relying on YouTube tutorials and old manuals. The work hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has only bolstered his dedication.

“There have been days when I wanted to give up,” he admits. “But then I think about him, about how much he would’ve loved to see this truck running. That keeps me going.”

The F-150, rusty and once immobile, is slowly coming back to life. The engine now roars after months of tinkering, and the interior is being carefully restored. Every detail matters for this truck that holds the memories of Westhoff and his best friend.

“I see him smile when he finally gets something working,” Tom says. “I see him remembering the good times instead of the pain. I think that’s what his friend would have wanted.”

As graduation day quickly approaches, Michael looks forward to the moment when he can drive the truck to the ceremony, carrying with him a piece of his best friend. To him, it’s not just about restoring an old Ford. It’s about healing, honoring, and moving forward while never forgetting the past.

“I just want to take him with me, in some way,” Michael says. “And this truck—it’s like he’s still here, and we’re sitting in the bed, just like we always did.”