| A Letter From Dale |
| A fine Daytona afternoon, the season just begun. My boys were running one and two, and I was having fun. I probably could have won the thing, but something held me back. I was watching Dale and Mike -- holdin off the pack. I was looking toward the fronand not really to the rear. Something taped my bumper and still I had no fear, I thought it might be Sterling - I knew he was nearby When Sterling smells the checkered flag, I'll tell you he ain't shy. I slipped a bit. I turned the wheel.. I sensed something very odd. It wasn't Sterling's tap I felt it was the tap of God. "Not now" I said, " I'm racing hard .. theres work still here to do" "Your time is up" he whispered low, " so say a quick adieu" I wasn't really ready , but I didn't have a coice. He'd tapped me on the bumper and I'd heard his hallowed voice. So I did as he instructed. I just packed it in and left. I guess it can't be helped I left some of you berefit. Did you see those birds upon the wall as they scattered in the breeze? Will it make it any easier to know that one of them was me? There was also Davey, Dad , and Neil and some other guys I've known And they all came to Daytona just to escort me on home. Hey- Congratulations Mikey!. You made a worthy run. I wish you many, many more. Your wins have just begun. All that fun you had in victory lane, I was proud as proud can be. Did you see that seagull flying low?Yeah, Mikey, it was me. So friends and Fans and family, don't mourn for me too long. Get on with life - take care of things - be brave and proud and strong. I'll surely miss you everyone. About that I will not lie. But as long as you remember me, I didn't really die. ~ Andrew Literski |
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