#horseracing
Dad's been dead a while now, but he used to always say, 'boys, don't let the ******** get you down.'
Or, 'they can **** us, but they can't eat us.'
Nine times out of ten,
he would utter these great pearls of wisdom when we received a large bill in the mail.
Minutes later, we would peel away down the Pacific Coast Highway to the track, Santa Anita or Hollywood Park.
It was an exciting experience, being around
that environment at such a young age.
After all, it's the sport of kings. Dad took everything in stride; he didn't worry much.
Unfortunately, I didn't inherit that from him.
He was an English and drama teacher, and what he did pass on to me
was a love for literature.
He made it come alive, and for that, I'm eternally grateful.
So Dad, wherever you are, I just wanted you to know, I didn't let the ******** get me down.
May 2, 2023
May 2, 2023 at 5:35 PM UTC
It was a four horse race at
Santa Anita.
I was with my old man and
little brother.
I put everything I had on
the number 3 horse to show.
His name was Dusty's Diaper.
Shoemaker was aboard;
the shoe for God's sake.
It was a sure thing.
All he had to do, was not
come in fourth place.
I learned that day,
in a horse race,
anything can happen.
I was 12 years old.
And like horse racing,
In life, anything can
happen.
Amidst the California evening,
On our way to the car,
I thought my Dad
Would live forever.
Apr 8, 2023
Apr 8, 2023 at 7:28 PM UTC