To Parents and Friends of Racers

Parents and Friends of Racers,

One of the hardest things about being a racer is knowing that your “world” will go on without you for a year while you are gone. You worry that your friends will “move on” and essentially replace you. Family will have holiday gatherings and carry on as usual and possibly not even emotion your name. And even though it may not be true, you worry that you’re forgotten.

This is especially hard on holidays when most racers would love to be home with their families.

So, I just wanted to encourage all of you parents and friends to not stop doing the small things. We may be out of wifi for a while, but when we come back and have messages from you all it means a ton! Even if it’s just a “Hey, thinking about you and praying for you!” It’s hard to set up good times to video chat, but it’s easy to send a quick Facebook message. Even if it’s just a “hello”.

One of the biggest ways you can love us is by commenting on our blogs. Seriously, to know that you all are following our journey is such a blessing. To know you’re praying for the families we’re with is so encouraging. Even if it’s just a “good blog post” it matters!

Things that may seem silly or insignificant mean a lot more to racers than you would think. My family took a photo on Christmas holding signs that said “We Miss You”. Instant tears. You can say you miss someone a ton, and that matters too. But this small gesture meant the world to me. Try to do something on holidays for your racers, just to let them know you’re thinking about them. Because believe me, we’re thinking about you.

Were may be a world away, but our hearts are in two places. They’re still with you all as much as they are with the new faces we are meeting. We love and miss you, and we appreciate you more than you could know. We couldn’t do this without your support.