One meets the most interesting people at the Indianapolis 500, but this year was truly heartwarming!  Seems that the Californians sitting in front of us had traveled to yet another Indy 500 with a special purpose in mind…….to personally transport the cremated remains of their loved one to the most special place on earth, to their beloved and now departed loved one……

“My dad's name was Marshall.  My mother and step-mother, both 81, were there too.  My brother could not make it, but a friend, his daughter and son-in-law joined us. 
    The Indy 500 was Marshall's only sports interest and passion.  He listened to it on the radio from childhood until around 1970 when it was on closed circuit television in a few movie theaters for a couple of years before ABC started broadcasting it live.  He only dreamed he'd make it to the race someday.  Making it finally in 1999 was a momentous life experience, truly in his own admission making his life complete.  I likened it to his pilgrimage to Mecca. He made it to the race seven times. I am very grateful for the opportunity to make it all happen for him………and that has greatly fullfilled me.  And as hooked on the race as I already was, now I'm really, really passionate.  Dad's resting real easy.
    You may recall that we scattered Marshall inside turn two.  Do you remember that there were 8 yellows in the race?  That action occurred in turns 1, 3, 4, and the pits.  There were no crashes in turn 2.  Marshall never liked crashes, just the racing.  It was a glorious day and a terrific race.  Dad's resting real easy.”