I haven’t written for BizCatalyst 360° in quite some time. I just haven’t felt anything on my heart to write about, not to mention that personal family issues have presented themselves in such a way, leaving no time to sit and think.
Early in June, my nephew Bobby Unser, Jr., who lived in Albuquerque passed away unexpectedly – just a few weeks after his father Bobby Unser Sr. had passed. The name “Unser” is synonymous with one of the greatest icons in Formula racing.
My nephew Bobby was just a few years my junior, as was his sister Cindy, my niece. I remember coming to Albuquerque when they were just 8 and 10 to babysit on an occasion that would turn out to be many future trips. The Unser’s were one of the Pike’s Peak icons of names who dominated the racing profession over the years, especially the Formula cars of racing. My nephew became a stunt car driver and consultant for movies and television. I will continue to pray for my nephew as he was always letting me know that he became closer to God over the years as was evident of the many bibles he acquired and wrote in which was discovered after his passing.
I flew to Albuquerque to help my sister Barbara 85, (Bobby and Cindy’s mother) as there was so much to do because of Bobby’s passing. My nephew and I were not the closest; I had more contact with my niece and sister over the years, and although I did interact with my nephew from time to time, I will always remember his love for the Native American Indians, and his daughter Jesse. Bobby Jr., before he died became a grandfather to little Carlee, but never had the chance to see her.
When one life goes, another is born. I came to understand a little more of my nephew and what he loved in life. Racing, collection of many things regarding Native American Indians, and the art of the Native Indians which is so significant here in Albuquerque.
I also came to know the hard work my niece has done over the years as a single mom raising my great-nephew, Colton, never relying on the Unser name for help, but just relying on her own ability to work as everyone works, not because she is an Unser. Having arrived in Albuquerque on June 15th, and the Memorial Service, which is scheduled for the 29th of July, I was asked to speak some words my sister requested to be read in honor of her son.
Smile, Open Your Heart, Love and Go On
(Author Unknown)
You can shed tears because they are gone
Or
You can smile because they lived…
You can close your eyes and pray they will come back
Or
You can open your eyes and see all they left for you…
Your heart can be empty because you cannot see them
Or
You can be full of the love that you shared…
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or
You can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday….
You can remember only that they are gone
Or
You can cherish their memory and let it live on…
You can cry and close your mind and feel empty
Or
You can do what they would want and that is …
Smile, Open Your Heart, Love, and Go On …
I will return to my home in Houston and to my husband with a better understanding of the Unser name, as it relates to my nephew, and I know that the name Unser will remain iconic in the world of racing. I’d like to remember my nephew in my own way. When I come back to Albuquerque to see my niece and sister for as long as time permits, there will be many memories and I pray that the soul of my nephew rest in peace.
Thank you, Lynn, for sharing such a close and personal story from your life. Blessings to you, your nephew and families. May all your journeys to light be always be filled with hope, here and in the stars.
Thank you Maria, that was very sweet of you to comment. I appreciate it very much and I agree to the light of hope always.
Thank you for sharing something so personal. I feel, in my heart, that he is no longer racing but at peace in his stillness with God. Glory to all who seek His love and guidance.
Laura, thank you for taking the time to read my post and to comment. I also appreciate your heartfelt words which are comforting. God is and always will be my strength in life and I pray to pass that on to many for God’s Glory. God Bless you.
Isn’t it interesting that sometimes we don’t know people, or much about them, until they are gone. Why is that?
Ken, 1st, thank you for taking time to read what I post. In answer to your question above I think has to do with being interested enough in the person or person(s) one encounters. People seem to be so busy with their lives, but if we just took some time to reach out when it is possible, each time we would discover a little more. God bless you.
I read recently that, as we get over, we have more friends and acquaintences in heaven that we do on earth. I hope that Bobby Jr. (and Sr) will be among those to greet you once this life is over Lynn. The passing of friends and loved ones reminds us all that our time on this earth is brief but what we do here has eternal implications. I pray God’s comfort upon your sister and family.
Mike and Sharon, thank you for your kind words of faith and truth. I also thank you for your prayerful hearts.
Definitely an honest and heartfelt tribute to your late nephew Linnie. We do pray that your nephew was a winner in his life’s most important last race. The winner who hears the words of our Lord, “Well done, my loyal and trusted servant!”
Thank you babe, for supporting me in so many ways. I am blessed