You’d think Dale Earnhardt, Jr. would be restless and pacing around, anxious as a cat to get behind the wheel of his new ride in an actual race. But no, he’s quite content taking things a day at a time, soaking in every opportunity and every new feeling he’s getting as he hangs with the team, works on the cars and chats with his new teammates.

He reminds me of a kid in a candy store…like the kid that’s never seen all those choices, all those shiny jars that line the shelves and all the sparkly bags filled with sugar coated bits of heaven that hang on little hangers, waiting to be tasted…very much like a child that’s making his first visit into the land of wonderfully tantalizing choices.

The child reluctantly let’s go of his father’s hand as he enters the store. He takes a few steps and glances back, Dad’s still there, watching, nodding gently with approval. The boy glances around, beginning to realize he’s got more choices in his line of vision than he’s ever had before. Each one is promising a different experience, a different memory. He just stands there, mouth agape and eyes shining with wonder. His heart beats fast and he slowly realizes he just can’t stand there so he begins to walk around the store, hands in his pockets, afraid to touch any of the tempting treasures, in fear that they might disappear. He pauses, remembering that his father wouldn’t have brought him to the store if he didn’t think he was ready for the adventure.

The boy adjusts his ball cap and picks up his head with a renewed determination and begins to move by each jar, touching the outsides of each as if he could taste the contents through osmosis. His Dad stands back and smiles, knowing his son is going to think hard and careful before he picks the one he wants to try first.

And then the boy’s attention is captured by one jar, almost as if it’s calling his name. He unscrews the top and gingerly sets it aside as he reaches in and takes out a single piece of candy, carefully holding it as if it’s made of tissue paper. He holds it up to the light, smiling as it sparkles and gleams. It’s bright orange, with a light sprinkling of sugar. He puts it in his mouth and stands there, feeling the texture and taste as he wonders if all the other candies could possibly be this good. His father nods and pays the cashier, leaving a big allowance as he tells her he’s sure his son will be sticking around now that he’s tasted the good stuff.

As the boy stands in the middle of the store swirling the candy around in his mouth, enjoying every burst of flavor, he is content. He’s happy to be right there, in the middle of so many choices, yet this one is all he needs for now. He closes his eyes and envisions his Dad patting him on the shoulder and smiling down with approval. He glances toward the door for reassurance and sees a glimpse of his Dad. He watches him wave, and in a faraway voice he hears his Dad tell him he’ll wait for him, he’ll wait for as long as he needs to. The boy waves back, knowing he can now find his way through the maze of choices.

Life takes us down many paths, some lined with easy to read signs and others that wind around and around, seemingly never going anywhere. Dale, Jr. has taken a path with no promise other than a safe haven and a chance to find out if he’s the man he thinks he is. What more does he ask for? Nothing…he asks for nothing more. And so he’ll continue to take one day at a time, grateful for the opportunity to be where he is and occasionally wondering where he’ll end up. And once in awhile he’ll look over his shoulder and smile as he’s sure he catches a brief glimpse of his Dad nodding and smiling…telling his son he’ll wait for him.

NOTE: I'm a one man show, not supported by anyone. If you wish to donate to help offset expense, it would be appreciated:

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