Day 166 of 365 "Speed Racer"

Meet Don Makela aka (my dad) from Covina, CA.

The one word that best describes Don's life today is "Happy."  Don chose this word because he is happy to be alive at 75 years old.

If Don could change one thing in the world, he would "Put an end to the drought in California."  The way he would go about making this change would be to divert the funds that are going towards the high speed rail project that would connect LA with SF and use those funds for building canals and delta's so the farmers would have water for their crops.

One year from today, Don would like to surprise his wife (my stepmother) with a first class trip around the world.

If Don's life were a movie, it would be about his early days as a motorcycle rider who was pursuing his dream to become a professional racer.  He was a very good rider and had much success but realized to get to the next level, he had to ride a bigger more powerful motorcycle with a higher risk factor.  The title of Don's movie would be called "Speed Racer."

Up until today, I've been featuring one new person a day whom I've never met before.  Since it's Father's Day, I wanted to honor my amazing dad and share his story with our community.

This past week, as I've been sharing my story with several people, I'm reminded of the incredible adventures and experiences my dad created for me. 

I remember going to the motorcycle races at Ascot Park in Gardena, CA and going down to the pits after the races and getting autographs from the professional racers.

I remember my first BMX bike and my dad taking me to race my new bike at Soledad Sands.

I remember my first surfboard and our summer vacations camping and surfing at San Onofre, Doheny, El Capitan and Refugio in Santa Barbara, CA.

I remember the many road trips we would take to places like Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Sacramento.

I remember going to watch sporting events like the Dodgers, Angels, Rams, Giants, A's and his company softball games.

I remember crying my eyes out the day my dad sat my brother and I down when I was just 5 years old, sharing with us that he and my mom were getting a divorce.

More than anything, I remember my dad showing up consistently as he continually invested in his children. 

Anyone who knows my dad, knows that he loves his family, he loves his sports and he loves his Coors beer as shown in this photograph.

My dad is a great example of a man who is responsible, reliable, respected and respectful. I've learned a lot and continue to learn from Donald Glen Makela.

Thanks dad for your unconditional love and for allowing me to share you with our community.

Happy Fathers Day!