NATIONAL BOAT RACING ASSOCIATION

As many of you know I was able to take my Mom to the Nationals at McAlester. It was her first race in more than 30 years and she had an absolute blast!

It was quite warm outside when we arrived on Friday afternoon which complicates some of Mom's health issues. However, she was so excited to be around all the boats again that she refused to sit down or find any shade until I walked her through the entire pit area describing to her who each driver was and what I knew about each of them. Several of you took the time to speak to her personally and I want you all to know just how thrilled she was to meet each of you. She really felt like she was part of the event and began to develop her favorites to root for. This is especially true of one rather long-haired fella from down by the bayou who made a point several times during the weekend to talk to Mom. She quickly became a fan and like the 'good -ole-days' she once again had a driver on the water to pay special attention to (you know who you are John!). I heard her say more than once on the way home ..."I like that young man. He is so nice". When the E runabouts fired up for the first heat on Saturday morning the look on her face was absolutely priceless. I haven't see her eyes light up like that in a long time. I took her hand and walked her down to the waters edge to watch the second heat of D hydro, a memory that I will have for a very, very long time.

I am writing this on Mom's behalf as she has asked me to thank all of you for making that such a special weekend for her. As most of you know we lost Dad back in February and it has been difficult. That weekend in MCalester though was a very nice time for our family.

I could go on and on about the highlights from the weekend but I'll just stop and say this...thank you.

Dennis Crews