Pinewood Derby 2009

We had our stake pinewood derby last Saturday.  Although many people helped a lot and did a great job my wife was a great help.  I woke her up on a Saturday morning and made a simple request,, "Will you come with me?" She rolled out of bed, dressed and came with me.  Mind you, there were no previous expectations that she was coming such as a date.  When we arrived, my wife did a great job and helped a lot.  She organized the boundary line and the tables for the track.  She set up a table with cups of water.  She also consoled a lady who came in late with her son such that they could not participate.

This was the fifth year I was involved with the Pinewood derby for our ward.  Our Bishop called me as a Cub Master when we moved here five years ago.  I wanted a pinewood derby for my son, so I arranged that first one with another ward; and, again the second year with a different ward.   On the third year, I organized a stake pinewood derby by sending email to all the stake and ward leaders including Primary.  A man from one ward came with his son.  He was a real help; he brought his scale and tools and had leadership to run that pinewood derby. 

Last year, a local member of our ward volunteered his track he bought.  One of his grandsons had a car in the race, another also helped.  This year, the stake allowed us to us the activity center (aka gym).  Normally, the stake schedules basketball there.  We had been holding them in the primary rooms.  It was nice to have the extra room.  We projected the race results from my computer to the wall. 

Every year, I have a lot of fear about this event.  Mostly, the anxiety comes because very few will contact me back about the event after I have sent out the word.   So I have little confirmation of who will attend and what they will bring.  So far, on the day of the events, people chip in and help.  Moms bring treats.  Dads share tools.  Cubs have fun. 

This year was special because two people sent me thank you letters afterword.  I really appreciated the thank you notes.

So here is the moral of this.  If you have a friend  who wants to do an event, encourage them, chip in and help and afterwards express gratitude by saying  thank you.