 |
| Photo taken at Rockingham Speedway 2012 Genevieve |
Death.
We're all going to die one day.
We're all going to lose someone we love sometime in our life.
A race car drivers risk of death is high and that didn't stop Leffler, who was nicknamed "Left Turn" by his peers.
The risk of death doesn't stop anyone who straps himself, or herself in a car for a living.
Some call it crazy, or insane. Others call it passion.
Passion.
It makes us do crazy things doesn't it? Passion takes over us and consumes our minds, and our hearts. We're not really happy if we're not living a life filled with passion, are we?
Leffler was not famous, rich or a household name, but he was highly respected by many in the community. His determination, and commitment to racing was an inspiration to others. He was an aggressive driver, and wasn't afraid to race hard against his competition. From the stories I've heard, it doesn't sound like Leffler was one to be complacent either.
It was his passion to the sport that got him ahead in his career, and earned him respect. It's what he will be remembered for. As will his feisty behavior.
Feisty.
The true meaning of the word is to be filled with courage, and energy. Sometimes, it's to be ill-tempered. But that's what happens when we have a desire to succeed at a career, a hobby, relationships and life. To strap yourself in a race car a few times a week not knowing the consequences means you have courage. Leffler was not 'just' a NASCAR driver, he raced in many series such as Midgets, Sprints, Izod Indy cars - and just about anything else.
Feisty, passionate, aggressive, all great qualities to have to succeed in the competitive field of racing. More importantly, and certainly not least, he was a dad.
Fatherhood
Leffler is survived by his five-year old son Charlie Dean. There are a lot of pictures of the two, and the love between them shines bright in their smiles, eyes and faces.
Friends talked about how much he loved his little boy, and Jeff Dickerson, a long time friend of Lefflers, asked those who knew 'Left Turn' to always remind the young Leffler how much his dad loved him. Fatherhood fit Leffler well, everything he did was for his son. Because that's what feisty passionate people do- they invest themselves fully in their children, family, friendships, hobbies, health, and careers.
We never know how long we have to live. We never know when we'll say goodbye to someone we love. It's especially hard when we don't have the chance to say goodbye. So if Leffler taught us anything, it is to love your life, children, family, friends, and work with feisty, aggressive passion.
I didn't know Leffler, I wasn't sure if I should attend the service, but I've had many friends, and relatives whom have passed without warning. Some by choice, others by accident. I remembered that a funeral is to say goodbye, but it's also to pay respects to those who mourn the loss. To hear the stories friends spoke of Leffler, I can say I would've liked to have known him more than I did as some writer/photographer following his career.
I may have passed him by at Rockingham Speedway and at the dirt track and, nodded hello to him. I may have even seen him at a favorite hot-spot in Birkdale Village. I'm glad I got a chance to watch him from the outside. Every person you meet comes into your life for a reason. Some stay for a short season, and leave footprints on your heart for a lifetime.
I guess that's why I write about people. To get to know them, to hear their stories and share with the world who they are, and were. It's not about me, it's about the person I write about. Because there are a lot of hearts stamped with Leffler's footprint. There are far too many wonderful stories about this man, so many that couldn't be shared in an hour service- or at church anyway.
He made a lasting impression on a lot of people in the racing community, and has influenced thousands of fans.
Jason Leffler was fit to be fast. His candle burned out long before his legend ever will.
Kasey Kahne has made baseball hats available for sale at www.kaseykahne.com. All proceeds raised will go to benefit Charlie Dean Leffler.
To make a donation to Charlie Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust, please send to c/o SunTrust Bank, 232 Williamson Road, Mooresville, NC 28117.
No comments:
Post a Comment