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D. I. COLUMNIST The Real Deal with Tommy D ' Aprile
Did you ever stop and think about the people who have come in and out of your life? I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people through the years in the racing community, and I am sure many of you have as well. I have raced all over the country and even out of the country, making new friendships.
Not only in racing, but in all areas of life we get the opportunity to make new friendships. So here is the question: out of all the people who are and have been special to you in your life, how many of you take the time to call them and tell them you were thinking of them?
Now here is where people say,“ I’ m so busy, and to take the time to make a phone call would take too long,” etc. Calling – not texting – someone has a deeper meaning of relationship and care associated with the person. So how many of you do it? I’ m sorry to say that we would rather watch videos to be entertained on our phones than reach out to someone. We are getting more and more disconnected, which in turn is making people more isolated.
A very special lady named Jean worked with me for many years. After one of the hurricanes we had here in Florida, she and her husband moved back up north to avoid future hurricanes – and I can’ t say I blame them. This was many years ago, and I heard she was having some health issues. Although we stayed in contact, I really wasn’ t putting much effort into calling and checking on her. I decided to put her name on my calendar and call her frequently to check on her.
She is in a nursing care facility now and has a hard time walking, but she’ s sharp as a tack. Every time I call her, it not only blesses her but blesses me. What I used to think was an interruption to my day has now become an opportunity to give back to someone who has done so much for me over the years. We laugh and tell stories as old friends do, and let me tell you how much it has made a difference in both of our lives for the good.
People, here is the real deal: you, I, we all are selfish with our time, and we are neglecting our relationships. Facts, plain and simple – but the truth. The iPhone and so many things, including racing, have taken our attention away from what’ s really important: real communication with people!
All of us can go on doing what we have been doing, and no one would fault us for it, but maybe it’ s time to make a decision that can change someone else’ s life. Make that call. Go out of your way. Be selfless. You will benefit far more than you can imagine when you do. But as always, the choice is yours to make. DI
Email Tommy at tommyd @ dragillustrated. com
November / December 2025
2025
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