Family

I think I have written several times over that one of the proudest things I have done in my life has been to maintain a cordial relationship with my former son-in-law and his family, for the sake of my grandchildren.  Fortunately, everyone else has cooperated in that, too.  These babies do not have a clue how very fortunate they are to have everyone working hard in their favor!  It isn't always easy.  Getting bits and pieces of stories from both sides makes it difficult to stay objective, but I try...as does everyone else.

Still, it's hard to explain relationships.  Most divorce situations are fraught with animosity for one side or the other.  In MY situation, I introduce people in terms of their relationships and simply hope that others figure it out.

This weekend, I hosted my former son-in-law, his wife, her mother, and her daughter here for the 500.  Did it last year, too, so we already knew the drill.  All I supplied them with was a few snacks to take to the track, clean sheets on the beds, and clean towels for the shower.  The rest was up to them.  They easily did as much work around here as I did.  I had some company and they had a free place to stay.  Worked for me! 

One of the things I liked best was the fact that these are people who truly appreciate the race--not like people being dragged because of relationships.  We can chit-chat about it as the awesome event that it is.  My race history goes back to the early 1970s.  I can share some of that with them, and they seem to like to hear it.  Another thing I like is that I don't really have to do anything for them.  They aren't shy and have been here enough to know that, if they need something, all they have to do is ask.  Most of the time, they just do it themselves!

Thus, we all enjoyed Race Weekend.  The race was dry, safe, and fast.  (Fastest one on record.)  No one hurt.  No excessive temperatures.  Everyone was back on Plainfield turf before 4:00 PM (which has to be a record in itself), and we had supper right on time.  Good time!  All's well that ends well.