Reflections: February 18th

It’s hard knowing where to put this blog … so, I think “Snapshots and Project 365” is the best place for it.

[My Project: 365 picture. Remembering Dale]

Today is the 14^th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s death. Today would have been my grandma’s 98^th birthday (a grandmother I was named after). She died November 2002, a year and nine months after Dale. So today, there is a bit of sadness. 

Fourteen (14) years ago, she had NO idea who I was. She was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. So, I decided to watch the race here and there … except for the last few laps. I had a lot to do, and I was a bit emotional. Though nothing like I would be later that night. 

Later that night, as I told my mom goodnight, I learned that Dale Earnhardt had died. He was my racing hero – he made the impossible seem possible.

A lot has changed in those fourteen (14) years. I’ve attended ten (10), going on eleven (11) races at Las Vegas Motorspeedway. Speaking of that ... NASCAR will here in 15 days. I’ll watch Jeff Gordon race one last time here. I’ve seen a lot of my favorite drivers race here one last time, and I’ve seen people race here for the first time. 

I’ve seen the Busch series race, the Nationwide, and soon the Xfinity Series. I’ve seen Nextel and Sprint. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the sport.

But that isn’t all. In the past fourteen (14) years I’ve personally changed in so many ways that I hardly recognize myself. I hardly resemble the young girl (24/25 year old) that heard that devastating announcement. I definitely am nowhere near the same post-9/11 person I was. 

I’ve had extremely low points (9/11 was the “hit rock bottom” part), and I’ve “soared among the clouds” for the high points. 

And, I mean that quite literally. Last June I faced a demon – I flew from my home in Las Vegas to Newark, NJ. One of the hijacked flights flew out of Newark, so that was definitely staring the devil down. I flew in that airport and out of it. I actually boarded a total of four (4) aircraft to take a remarkable journey. 

["D" gate at McCarran International just before boarding my Delta flight to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport; first of two for the trip back to New Jersey.]

[A bit delayed leaving Atlanta for Newark due to a patch of bad weather. Checking for flight arrival information. I'd land in time to check in to my hotel. Check-in was 4pm]

[Making the descent into Newark, NJ. Seeing toll booths for the first time. We really weren't that late as it turned out. Both flights were awesome. Scary, but awesome.]

I got to see (from Liberty State Park) the World Trade Center and Statue of Liberty: 

[One of my FAVORITE pictures of the World Trade Center. Taken June 28, 2014]

[My view of the Statue of Liberty. Taken June 28, 2014]

Today, I realize how many blessings I really have. I’ve been able to experience things I never thought possible. Today I realize how much of Dale’s “never give up” spirit is still inspiring me. I’ve met wonderful people, met my childhood heroes, met people who’ve inspired me. I’ve been to some remarkable places and done remarkable things (even gone to concerts):

[Met Gary Sinise at the CSI: Experience. November 2011]

[Attended a Lt. Dan Band concert at the Mandalay Bay. November 2011. One of many "free" free concerts I've been to.]

[Saw the original "Starsky" Ford Gran Torino from Seasons 2-4. Newark, NJ June 26, 2014]

[Met and had dinner with David Soul (Hutch) and Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky). I was part of a select few who did. Newark, NJ June 26-28 2014]

I’ve reconnected with my family, and those bonds are stronger than they were. I’ve reconnected with some friends, lost touch with others, lost some entirely, and made some new friends. But, life goes on. And, I learned the importance of this message:

[Inspirational card I made to remind myself to "keep going". Made through my Heritage Makers business]

I can see why Dale was so tenacious on the track, it is a trait of those born under the Taurus the Bull sign – I know, I was born on the same day. Once I rose up, I never stopped. I kept going. Much like Dale (and like another person I admire and was lucky to meet) … you just keep going. 

Today, I miss Dale. I’m sad; I can’t say I’m not. But, like his son Dale Jr. stated on Twitter … I’m glad he lived:

[Dale Jr's tweet]

I don’t think I’ll ever stop wondering “what if”, but I’m not so bogged down in the “what if”  that I can’t see the “what can be” in front of me.

“I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin’ might mean taking chances, but they’re worth takin’

Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’

Don’t let some hell bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to sittin’ out, reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance …

I hope you dance … ”

That song always seems to play at the right time. Do I cry? Sometimes. But, through those tears, I still smile. Why? Because, I know exactly what give the heavens above more than just a passing glance  really means:

[My view as I head home to Las Vegas from Detroit. Delta Airlines Flight 1917; DTW to LAS; June 2014]

[In case anyone needed to see this to believe it. Yes, I still have all my boarding passes from that trip.]