🏎The Pinewood Derby.
An event that sparks joy in the hearts of many Cub Scouts...and in this kid’s dad.

Last year, Jason read and researched and bought extra supplies.
They solicited help from our neighbor to cut the perfectly-shaped wedge out of the block of wood.
They added just the right weight and molded the wheels for top-speed effectiveness.
Coleman painted it. Flames because it would be on fire🔥 going down that track.

The fire car dominated and took home a second place medal.

Then they announced that we would have one last Pinewood Derby before the Cub Scout program was discontinued in our area.

The kit sat on the counter.
Looming.
It seemed so much larger than the 2”x2”x7” dimensions of the box.
Memories replayed over and over in my head.
Jason at the counter with Coleman, reading instructions, strategizing, heads bent toward each other, working together to create a masterpiece.

Yes, we have awesome neighbors who would have helped us make a Pinewood Derby car this year. That was not the issue.

I just couldn’t mess with those memories.
I couldn’t replace the moment.
I couldn’t meddle with the enthusiasm and passion and creativity from last year.
I couldn’t replace Jason.

As the Pinewood Derby approached, I waited for Coleman during his play rehearsal and thought about how we were going to be ready in time for the race.

And I cried.
I sat in my car in the parking lot, put my head on the steering wheel and cried.

Then I bought a finished car on Amazon.

Yep, I’m that parent.
I forked over ninety bucks to have a car for the Pinewood Derby.
Perfectly weighted.
Professionally painted with a glossy coat of blue.
Our friend, Richard put the wheels on for us.
Coleman painted a “Y” and #44ever to remember his dad’s favorite number.

I’m totally THAT parent.
And I feel great about it.

I didn’t replace the moment.
I didn’t mess with those memories.
The fire car of 2018 is still the best Pinewood Derby car that this family has ever raced.
And I’m sticking to it.✊🏻💙