There is not a lot of news going on the site now as we work to change the servers and get ready for the New Year and the joys that 2002 has in store for us. But with the closing of every year it is often a time to reflect on what we had in the year and what will never again be.
Our focus in 2001 was turned to the devastation of loss caused by the senseless terrorist acts on September 11, when 4 hijacked planes were turned into weapons of destruction and caused the loss of life of thousands of people. War was called on the terrorist perpetrators, large sums of money were raised for victims and the nation rallied patriotic support.
But the lives in New York and at the Pentagon and in the land of Afghanistan were not the only lives lost in 2001. Many people died daily, there was no charity for them to turn to, they also left loved ones behind and their lives were just as precious.
In our local racing community we lost Dirk Piz, Helen Hornaday, Grandpa Krieger, Larry Krieger, Joanne LaMoure, Ray Judy, Robert "Grandpa Bob" Fennell, Chandler Bruning and Chris Shields. Yes, there were more, and I ask the families of those I left out to forgive me, the time of loss slips my memory, but the memory of your loved one stays in my heart.
They all hurt my soul when they left us and they all were special to someone. Dirk Piz was really the highest bidder on Dave Reed’s Yerf-Dog model car for the auction to raise money for MRO. Piz gave me the fastest ride I ever had from the credential office to the infield at LVMS and when I needed help, he was there.
Larry Krieger just made me feel I was special, Ray Judy yelled at me to impress his NASCAR peers, then like a true friend, silently motioned me over to let me get those pictures he knew I really wanted in the area I had no business being in. Grandpa Bob was a talker and entertainer and he helped me pass many an hour when there was nothing going on at the track and I needed a friend. Joanne LaMoure was a twinkle like a star. When I was a stranger in the Southwest Pits, Joanne made me a friend. I think we all know what Helen Hornaday survived. A few years ago I worked with a young lady that said Helen took care of her and she slept with Dennis Dyer…ah, she was a little girl whose Daddy worked on a crew.
I didn’t know Grandpa Krieger or Chandler Bruning or really Chris Shields, A passing glance at Shields is all there ever was. It is odd how we can walk through a pit and not think of the people as more than crewmembers. But Shields, like every other crewmember out there, had a beating heart, a soul that cared, a family and friends, a life worth counting.
And all too soon his life was gone--for he was 30 only 30. And as Christmas rolled around I thought about him and the others and I dropped his mom a line, and I received the most heroic of all replies, for Toni Shields said, “How nice of you to think of us this holiday season!!! We are having a hard time getting through this one. Each day gets a little easier though. We miss our son so much!!! His life was just getting started. Our hearts go out to all the families of the people that were killed in the Sept 11 disaster. You just pick up the pieces and go on. Here is wishing you and yours a very special holiday season.”
Wow. The strength to share her sorrow with others, to wish others peace, to give, not take. As a mom, I don’t know I could be that strong. But to all the moms that lost a child, Cyndi’s mom, Chris Trickle’s Mom (and Dad), Larry Krieger’s Mom (and Dad), and all the rest, I want you to know that I do think of your loss, admire your strength, and I don’t know how much my prayers count, but they are sent with my all to offer you support.
You are all an inspiration to us. And when we have hard times, we look to you and know if you can get through the loss of your child, we can certainly handle the little inconveniences life throws at us. God Bless you all. You are my Heroes.
--janet
