It is a very cold and snowy night on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff, Ariz. I have parked the rig in, what I think, is a Wal-Mart parking lot as the weather conditions and visibility were too unsafe to drive any further. The wind is blowing so hard right now that it is rocking the cab of the truck and I can barely see across the parking lot from the driving snow. I am huddled in the back in my sleeper with the heat on full blast thinking how thankful I am to be safely parked.

I have been driving to Vegas since Saturday, and it was Saturday afternoon that I learned of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Doug and Sonnie Herbert's two young sons. When you drive across country by yourself, you have a lot of time to think and pray and I have been doing a lot of both for the past 2,000 miles. I have been praying for Doug and Sonnie and their entire family for the devastating loss they have suffered and praying that God will give them strength to one day find peace in the love and memories they shared.

As the mile markers flew by I have to admit I have been thinking a lot about my own kids and family. Many years ago I watched Toni's family endure the loss of her 14-year-old sister and her 4-year-old cousin. I watched her parents and family struggle everyday to come to grips with the reality of the situation; but with God's help and the passing of time, I watched them slowly heal.

I have thought back on how crazy things have been at the shop during the past week and how hard everyone has been working trying to get the rig ready to leave the shop. Jamie has been sick but still trying to help me get the car and rig loaded. Melissa has been working long days trying to get ready for the upcoming race season. Jon is at Clemson trying to finish his last semester, interviewing for jobs, and getting ready for his May graduation. And Toni has been trying to hold us all together. We seem to fly through life at warp speed and at the end of the day you wonder where the hours have gone.

Did I remember to give the kids a hug and kiss before I left? I know I told them that I loved them, but…it really makes you think doesn't it?

God Bless and please keep the Herbert family in your prayers.