Dale Earnhardt and my Hero-A different perspective

I just listed a large part of a Nascar collection.  I originally wanted to list just the facts and move on.  But somewhere along the line I become very saddened by the stories, tributes, and true love of a fan for thier hero, Dale Earnhardt.

I am not totally new to Nascar.  My husband and I started dating in 2001, the year the Intimidator died.  He tried to cram as many facts, race track names, driver names, and who to like and not like onto me so heavily that I really couldn't handle another Nascar Sunday.  In fact, I thought that the race was a great time for a nap! 

Soon, I learned that the sport was much more than driving in fast circles turning to the left. I know and understand what it is like to love the talent, brilliance, and grace of a hero. The ones that you can't keep down, the ones that rise to the top again and again, the ones that earn and deserve respect.    I also learned that when a hero is suddenly taken away, people will mourn that loss forever. 

I watched Dale Earnhardt, Jr. compete on the same track as his father was killed on.  What courage it took for him to accomplish that.   I have seen the tributes that are online for other drivers who have also been tragically taken: Fireball Roberts, Alan Kulwicki, and Neil Bonnett.  People are still mourning, admiring, and keeping their memory of these talented people who were so much more than just  race car drivers.

I can relate.  I lost my hero this year.  My mother passed away on March 5.  There isn't a day that I don't mourn, admire, and speak of her to keep her memory alive.  There are times I wish I had the courage of Dale Earnhardt, Jr and could face the beast that took my mom as he did for his dad.  I don't have the true heart of a Nascar fan, but I do respect thier devotion and love for thier heroes.