Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

One thing about being in a loving and supportive marriage is taking an interest and learning about one another’s hobbies and passions. One of Darrell’s interests is watching car racing, particularly NASCAR. Over the years I have learned way more about NASCAR racing than I ever thought I wanted to know.

Sunday afternoons during the season typically finds Darrell watching the televised NASCAR race. I watch a few laps with him, ask a few pesky questions – Why was a caution called? What does [insert racing terminology] mean? How many more laps? – then I carry on folding cloths, cleaning the cat box or tweeting with friends before going back to watch a few more laps with my hubby.

While watching one race, Darrell mentioned that his dream was to ride in a NASCAR and to feel the speed.

For a guy who was heartbroken at 16 because he was not able to learn how to drive, even with hand controls available, because of his double vision and lack of depth perception, his dream had extra meaning.

I filed away that tidbit.

Then, during a race earlier this spring, I received an email from my friend Damien Patton who is also an avid NASCAR fan and had worked on a pit crew. I mentioned Darrell’s dream to him. Damien’s response was “let’s see what we can do while you’re down here in Vegas for BlogWorld”.

After several emails back and forth, and countless phone calls by Damien and his partner Jennifer, last Tuesday morning found the four of us, in front of the Las Vegas Hilton, loading into a Mercedes and a pick-up truck with a rented U-Haul trailer; our chairs tied down with a web of cables. What a sight we must have been!

Darrell had no idea we were off to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway! Nor for what reason!

With help and patience from the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Damien’s back, Darrell was dressed in a fireproof suit…

and helmet…

and helped into a race car…

then engines were started and Darrell was off to live his dream…

After three laps around the track, his expression was priceless…

(Photo credit: Damien Patton)

Due to a glitch with the onboard video recording, Darrell was given the rare opportunity to live his dream a second time!

I absolutely love this photo of Darrell! The moment he realizes what had just occurred…

(Photo credit: Damien Patton)

A big thank you to the Richard Petty Driving Experience, Damien and Jennifer for making my husband’s lifelong dream come true! I’m so glad I was there to share the moment with Darrell.

Happy 50th, Darrell! I love you. And, remember, dreams really can come true!

Our Las Vegas Trip in Review

Part 1: Hilton Room Disappoints on Accessibility

Part 2: Dreams Do Come True – With a Little Help from Friends

Part 3: Making the Impossible Possible – Not Always Perfect or Pretty