Drag Illustrated Issue 109, May 2016 | Page 57

D.I. COLUMNIST The Real Deal H with Tommy D'Aprile ow many of us go about our days and don’t even think about how lucky and blessed we are? I mean seriously, too many people walk around complaining about things that don’t really matter, only to think they have it so bad. Well, let me tell you a little story and if you’re guilty of this kind of thinking, it may just make you rethink your attitude about life. My oldest children attend middle school now and they’re doing very well adjusting and making new friends. The school is a big change for them, though, as they are now becoming “big” kids. Anyway, each day school lets out and it’s like a sea of ants being released as kids are everywhere searching for their rides, or walking or biking home. Well, on this particular afternoon a young boy named Devan was riding his bicycle with friends not too far from school. They did as they did every day, laughing, playing, just being fun-loving kids. Then, a recklessly driven pickup truck seemingly came out of nowhere and hit little Devan on his bike. The driver then sped away. This horrible hit and run resulted in the loss of Devan’s life and impacted so many in our community. One minute happily playing with his friends, the next this young boy’s life was tragically gone. You might wonder what I’m getting at here, so I will get right to the point. People, we are so busy and so distracted sometimes that we forget to appreciate the very importance of life and how very precious it is. I don’t know the last words spoken to little Devan by his family, but I do know we all have a responsibility to express our love in ways that leave no doubt about how genuine it really is for others. You see, we always tend to think we’ll see our loved ones again or believe tragedies only happen to other people, but the truth is the people you see on the news are regular people just like me and you. Now I know some of you reading this have been through tragedy and great loss, and a few may wish they had different conversations shortly before losing a loved one. But know this; though we can’t go back, we can move forward in making sure the people remaining in our lives know how much they matter to us—and know it often. As racers, we recognize every pass down the track involves a certain degree of risk. There’s always cause for concern. But many of us simply jump in the car, shut the door and get into our own little world. And not that you shouldn’t get focused, but before you do, maybe a quick moment with your spouse or significant other just to tell them you love them is warranted. We never seem to realize the importance of this until it’s too late. I have seen time and time again crashes at the track and the emotions that go with these incidents run very high. But I truly believe there is more comfort for those who share a special word before each pass as a reminder of how dangerous these cars (and motorcycles) can be. It won’t hurt to get your mind off yourself for a moment and take the time to tell those special people you love them. I can’t imagine the pain that Devan’s family and friends are feeling, but in honor of this little boy let’s start a love revolution. Think again about your own life and how perspective can change the way you feel and view it. People may think it silly, but the truth is we can either just forget what happened that tragic day or use it positively to promote something bigger than us all. People will you join with me in showing your kids, your parents, your sisters and brothers, your friends and family, how very special they are to you? It doesn’t take much; a phone call, a kind word, a little time out of your day. You never know the last time you will see that special person, so why not start today to make sure they never doubted how much you loved them? As always, the choice is yours to make. I want to dedicate these thoughts to the family and friends of little Devan and children like him who have lost their lives through careless and reckless behaviors. God bless them all. Tommy D’Aprile [email protected] May 2016 KINSLER A HOND ® NEW REL 4 BAR Excellent Durability Monster MeshTM Filters T BILLE Huge amounts of We Do premium quality filter media for minimum It All pressure drop. S.S. Filter Mount Precisely Repeatable High Speed Bypass ifo an M e Mad ! Set Records OM Our CUST lds 12AN & 8AN Fuel Rail Largest on the Market HATS R E LOW Quick Disconnect Bypass WORLD’S Largest Stocking Distributor Kinsler Leak Tester Check engine leakage; barrel valve setting. 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