11/20/2023
2 Weeks ago today, our whole world changed. At 10:02 in beautiful Chandler, time literally stood still. One might think this perspective of that day would leave one bitter.
On the contrary.
That gorgeous Sunday morning, I attended Race Church with Pastor Mike. He spoke of King David and his chosen circle, his mighty tribe, those he trusted to go into battle.
ReCap: When I had the blessing of being reacquainted with Matt for the second time after 40 years, his kind heart and room lifting smile sold me, again.
We talked about our bucket lists and his was (1) to spend time out of the cold in the winter and (2) to build and race a Kryptonite boat. No stranger to dreams and competition, I asked,” That sounds fun, what does that take? Let’s do it!” I truly had no idea what we were about to embark upon.
He and Shawn were so dedicated to this journey. Watching Shawn problem solve, design, and fabricate was masterful. Matt and I sanded, buffed and he finished that sweet vessel. Trips over the hill to Gross for the motor was like being on a field trip as we toured the shop. I love all of it.
As time went on, I’m more grateful Matt has shared his passion with me.
But what caught me off guard was the races. Not the actual drag itself but the community. Yes, racing is exciting, frankly, it’s sexy.
But it’s so much more than that. It’s become a love affair. I now know why this was so important to Matt. It is all of YOU.
As time went on, I found myself saying to Matt as we were in the pits, “listen, so and so is racing.” The funny thing was, we were happy for whomever won, because first of all, you were safe, and it was a good run. It was all good. What was wonderful is all of you that allowed me to be part of this, welcoming and kind.
Watching racers congregate at a pit that was having trouble with their boat that day, trying to problem solve, fix, brainstorm a solution, only to go out minutes later as competitors. It just doesn’t get any better.
They say integrity is tested when things are hard.
Two Sundays ago, things got to a level of tough that we’ve never experienced. I pray this is the last story like this. No one should ever have to do this again, please
I really don’t want to go over the actual event but more of what transpired.
Time stopped.
Apparently, there was a few fences scaled by a 61-year-old women in a skirt. (no one really needs to see that), along with me hurdling out a golf cart thru the front in a single bound, to see my man. (Who knew?)
But love found me, hugged, held, and comforted in the hardest of time. The women of the Racers Emergency are my hero’s. They extracted me from Joe and calmed (ok that might be an overstatement) me down, drove me to the hospital where we were met by that same wonderful Pastor Mike from the morning. He prayed over us. They stayed until Shawn, and I could see Matt. Angles on earth.
I’m not going to lie; news was grim and the next 36 hours were critical.
But oh my gosh…. Talk about showing up. My daughter and nephew flew down to be with us. Cole and Jana drive an hour to visit (along with taking care of the boat.)
The outpouring of concern and genuine offering of “anything we can do to help” is real and abundant. You all are amazing, sending us your love and responding is a full-time job that I’m honored to have. The PCF text vein is full of prayers, photos, and questions.
Matt’s brethren of competitors are stellar.
The entire race community is finding a way to reach him and let Matt know they care.
You all have helped so much. He is so humbled, as I read and share all your words every day. He constantly says, “wow, really? That’s cool.” (Matt ism’s)
Sometimes I get to read them more than once, the effects of the accident. We are currently living “50 First Dates.”
As far as our families and non-boat friends, well that’s for another post. Overwhelmed by love is a huge understatement.
This incident doesn’t define Matt’s race career. It’s part of the story. His family legacy of racing dates back to 1954. It’s in his blood and by welcoming, not just marriage, it’s in mine too.
Do I wish we could go back and it’s Nov 5th 10:01 and he just red lit….and lost…? Oh man… if only.
But it didn’t go that way.
Matt has a long, very hard road ahead, but he can do this
God had a blanket of grace over the race that day as this could have gone so so differently. The Lord has shown us our circle, our army of mighty warriors in all of you.
Thank you seems so insufficient to clarify our gratitude. Until I find better words, I pray you all know, we know we are blessed by you.
💜💜
