Missing May

 Sunday, May 29th, 2005.

A date when an unbreakable passion was formed in the heart of a 6 year-old boy.  3 days, prior, I found two tickets to the Indianapolis 500 hidden in the laundry room at the conclusion of my birthday gift hunt, and come that Sunday, dad and I were trekking out to the Northeast Vista for the green flag, but not before stopping to view the most important attractions that day (the transporters of course, big trucks are always more impressive than little racecars in a 6 year-old's eyes).  Nevertheless, the pageantry and spectacle made an impression, and they ensured I would be back.  

Back we came with mom and little brother in tow three years later, once he reached the 6 year old age as well, and thus started the streak we continue to this day, 2020 omitted of course.  Along that way I've brought friends, girlfriends at the time, and others into the fold of the Indy 500.  Those that know me is those two weeks in May are my favorite of the year.  My full intention is to use vacation time for those in the future.  

Unfortunately, that is not an option this year.  The one thing more important to me, my airline career, has necessitated an extended visit to St. Louis during May this year, and even more unfortunately, a 6am final check in the sim in St. Louis on raceday.  While rain or a kind examiner letting me leave early may ensure I make it to the Northeast Vista once again this year, it very much appears that Mark Jaynes, Nick Yeoman, Michael Young, and the rest of the IndyCar Radio crew will be my option as I hammer down I-70 hoping to make it to 465 before the masses exit from the two and half mile oval.  

What this means to me is still being processed.  It will only get worse as raceday nears, but I'm sure I will still cling to hope that some magic might happen and I'll make it in come the 29th, but nothing is ever certain, that's for sure.  So, with that being said, if you're heading to the race this year, live in the moment and cherish everything around you because raceday is special and that cannot be overstated.  Don't take a 500 for granted, because missing it unwillingly is not very fun at all.  I'll be back in 391 days for the 107th and hopefully every one after it.