If you celebrate Father’s Day in any way, shape, form or manner this coming Sunday, consider yourself blessed. What could be better than watching the race from Michigan with your dad, or having your kid(s) watch the race with you?
My dad was the one who instilled the love of sports into me. I would venture to say that a lot of us around here had the same experience. Growing up, I had an older brother who enjoyed and included me in varying sports out in our backyard. He was always up for a game of "horse" on the basketball goal, or throwing some spirals, or hitting some baseballs around. I enjoyed watching my dad and brother play sports when I was very young, and then I played and/or participated in many sports through the years as well. My dad always supported me. Thank you, dad!
There was always some kind of sports on the TV, mainly baseball or football. I always listened to what my dad was saying about the calls by the umpires, what certain calls meant, what he thought a team would/should do next, and so forth. Of course, we only had 3 channels back then until FOX came along. But, I remember many-a-Sunday afternoon after church, my dad would be watching a game and take a little "nap." Ah, love you dad!
I think I’ve been able to repay my dad in a small way, however, for a renewed love for NASCAR. My dad has told me he went to Talladega several times in the early to mid-‘70's. But, once I got older and started going to the races in person, I would tell my parents to "watch for me" in the stands. Of course that meant they would have to actually watch the races. Slowly but surely, they started watching the races all the time. Now, they watch every race, even the Nationwide and Truck races. So, I consider myself blessed having parents today who share a passion for NASCAR. I can talk to them and debate with them about things that happen during the course of the races. Although I will never understand how in the world they picked their favorite drivers! Good times.
NASCAR is full of grandfather/father/son drivers. The Earnhardts, Pettys, Allisons, Jarretts, Wallaces, and so on. So, this Sunday while you’re watching the Michigan race, don’t forget about your father. Pick up that phone and tell him you love him!
So to all those who are fathers, have a great Father’s Day and a great racing weekend!
Great post. We need to remember our fathers this sunday and all through the year also. I just wish my father were still around to sit and watch the race with. He's been gone for 14 years and I still miss him as if it were yesterday. So if your father is still alive Treat him to a day just for him. Watch the race and take him out for dinner or any thing else enjoyable for the both of you.
Charrit ~ thank you, sorry for your loss. I am blessed to have my dad around. I always was, and still am, a Daddy's girl :) I see my dad all the time and wouldn't want it any other way.
I wish my son missed me as much as I miss my Dad. Father's day is a grim reminder, but a day to remember a really good man. My dad was my best friend...and though I tried that role with my son, it just never worked the same. We love each other, but the caring is not as much.
Lori - What a lovely tribute to your father and all fathers. My Dad has been gone almost 6 years, and I still miss him a lot. He was never really a sports kind of guy. But he was always there for us and supported what we do.
I will be in Michigan this weekend to see the race in person. :)
BN ~ (as the song from George Strait goes, you can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall.) Sorry you and your son don't share a tighter relationship. I'm sure you miss your dad alot.
Moseby ~ thank you, very much. Yes, merlot will not be served with a corn muffin. Although, one of my dad's favorite 'snacks' growin up was a glass of milk with cornbread crumbled up in it. Might have to make some this Sunday :)
Dwindy ~ I'm very glad you enjoyed this, and thank YOU for sharing your story.
Beavernut, Just give your son time. It happens all of the time that when we are young we don't appreciate our fathers, but as we get older we start to see where they are coming from. That is if we don't run out of time first.
Nice tribute to your dad Lori.
My grandad loved the cornbread in milk with a bit of honey in it.
The father's and sons of NASCAR and the family atmospher that surrounded them was a huge appeal to a lot of us and a big part of why NASCAR has grown so much.
Thanks charrit - The thing about not understanding how your dad could be so stewpid at age 21, and how much he learns when you are 29 huh? Hey...now I want to make another one...where are the wenches...we need to practice and practice and practice....to make a perfect baby! Hello?
I had two, one who couldn't kick the habbit of drinking two much and so it became my step father who raised me up from the age of 6. He is the one who support my sports career and did take me to my first local race track. I was already hook on racing before that. Happpy Fathers Day.
Great post Lori...I am a total daddy's girl, and he loves to root for the "opposites" than me. I love University of Arizona, so he cheers for ASU, I love Jr, he cheers for Tony (!!) but thats ok, I still love him anyway....
Lori-Awesome tribute to your dad. I still get to see my dad everyday. I was also fortunate enough to be able to work with him for 27 years. He taught me how to roof. But most of all he taught me about life. Of course as most of you knows I took a different road. But at least now that all of that is behind me. I can move on and still go to him for advice. I am a father to one daughter who is married and also a grandfather. I have 2 grandsons that I enjoy very much. Thanks for the Fathers Day wishes.
Last edited by frevr3fan on June 10th at 10:04 PM.
Lori,
You are such a sweetheart and this is such a wonderful tribute to your dad. I lost mine 40 years ago when I was just a 20-year old attending undergraduate school and I am so envious of anyone who has been able to lean on his or her dad for advice throughout the first couple of decades of their adult lives. I know my daughter, who is 38 still calls me for advice frequently. So happy fathers day to all dads and thanks for posting this Lori. You rock.
3fan ~ Happy Father's Day to you. Yes, I am lucky to have a great man for my dad. Thanks!
TWFAOE ~ why the "M"? Typo? LOL I don't know what to call you anymore, Earl of Dirt, HR13, anywho. Thank you very much for your comment. I'm glad you're there for your daughter when she needs you. Happy Father's Day to you!
Lori,
LOL, yes it was a typo which I couldn't change as I explained in a comment on another blog. Oh well, I've never said I'm perfect just because I am The World's Foremost Authority on Everything. Have a great weekend.
Yeah, I'm a legend in my own mind but it's a pretty tiny area - lol.
Lori, thank you for this. YOU'RE SO VERY SWEET, and I respect you and your opinions very much. Hope you and your Dad have a great day together. (My big bro is my Dad.)
