Loved your story!
I will agree that without the running boards my F150 (extended cab) would be a challenge to get in and out of, especially the back seat. Thankfully mine has the lovely running boards and a bed cover, woohoo! Of all the different shapes and sizes of vehicles I/we have owned I think this is my favorite (except when trying to park in small spaces...then I miss my Taurus). Definitely beats the Dodge maxivan (delivery style...hardly any windows)we had when the kids were growing up.