15 for 15 Contest --- Closed

Last Day! I can’t believe I hung in there!

My ears were ringing from the constant roar of the engines, and my shirt was damp with sweat. The end of my first NASCAR race event was nearing, and I was relieved. The part I had come to see was coming up.

I had worked hard selecting just the right flowers and corresponding greenery. Then I had carefully woven the flowers, greenery, and ribbon onto the wreath.

Having completed his victory lap, the winning driver pulled into Victory Lane and climbed out to the renewed cheers of the crowd.

There it was—my wreath. I watched, holding my breath, as it was lifted over the winner’s head and settled onto his shoulders.

I couldn’t have been prouder. I was glad I’d endured all the noise, heat, and crowds to see this.

What I saw next made me decide I would never do this again.

The driver pulled the wreath off his shoulders and tossed it carelessly on the ground as he walked out of Victory Lane.