Have you ever had a dream for almost 50 years and it finally came true or at least today’s version of the dream?

While I was in high school I helped my brother work on cars to get ready to race at Green Valley Drag Strip.

I have always been fascinated with speed and race cars of all types.  I knew I would be a race car driver.

I married the love of my life after high school.  This thoughtful man gave me the birthday surprise of my life – driving a Sprint Cup NASCAR at Talladega Superspeedway.

With all honesty upon arrival, I was not sure I could get in the car.  I have claustrophobia and certainly don’t like to be restrained!  But once I shifted the gears and got on the track, I was hooked.

My top speed was 161.3 miles per hour during the 20 lap event.  Imagine the deafening sounds of the car and the others as you pass or try to beat the speed of your last lap.

It is true that you can’t stand at the wall in the turns.  Gravity will pull you down to the apron.

Each member of the crew of the Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure was very professional.  They have a l00% safety record.

I love the reactions of my 5 grandchildren:  Grace, 4, argued that she was going to drive; Jake and Grayson, 12 & 13, pretended that I did not exist, and Anne Carol, 17, texted everyone that she had the coolest grandmother.

Brad, 8, brought me a baseball cap because my hair was frizzy.  Only a grandmother can appreciate how special that was.

The experience was a heart-pumping, white knuckle thrill ride.  I understand why they call it “Full Throttle Living.”