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The Pink Car & The Lamborweenie A Father’s StoryBIy Sonny Melendrezn the realm of fatherhood, there can be extraordinary times when reality surpasses our dreams in ways wenever imagined. It is with great pleasure that I relate this tale of irony. May you be inspired by its joyful ending.Rewind to my childhood days as a wide-eyed 8-year-old Cub Scout, eagerly participating in the annual Pinewood Derby.The task was simple yet daunting: carve a race car from a small block of wood and compete for accolades like the fastest or most creative car.With my father’s earnest assistance and our modest carving tools, we crafted my entry. Its final touch was a coat of pink enamel, leftover from a project for my mom. Despite its unconventional color, I didn’t think it looked bad—until I saw my fellow scouts’ sleek and futuristic models.We came home with nothing more than our pride and a pink car.Fast forward several years, and the scene was set once again, but this time, I stood in my father’s shoes, guiding my own son, Bono, as he prepared for his Pinewood Derby debut. Opting for humor over velocity, he chose to model our car after the Oscar Mayer “Wienermobile.”Dubbed “The Lamborweenie,” our creation was a family affair: Our eldest, Joe, meticulously handled the finer details, while Bono, bursting with excitement, frequently dashed off to seek Mom’s approving encouragement. After hours of diligent carving, meticulous sanding, and careful painting—equipped, this time, with the proper tools—we stood back to admire our work. Indeed, if I may say so myself, we had crafted something quite impressive.The energy at the St. George School gym was unmistakable, reminiscent of my own childhood experience. Watching the joy and anticipation in Bono’s eyes as he placed his quirky “Lamborweenie” amongst sleek aerodynamic cars was a full-circleSABRINAMCGOWANCity of Helotes Council Member Place 4www.helotes-tx.govsmcgowan@helotes-tx.govPolitical advertisement paid for by the Sabrina McGowan Campaign Fund. Patrick F. McGowan, Treasurer.moment for me.Unbelievably, our humorous entry wonheat after heat. With every win, our family laughed with disbelief.In the final round, only three cars remained: two were built for speed, and the third was shaped like a weenie.Against the odds, the “Lamborweenie” crossed the finish line first. We had unintentionally built the fastest car in Bono’s division!On our victorious drive home, Bono read the inscription over and over, “First Place – Division Champion.” He held it tightly in his right hand. In his left hand was his other trophy, which read, “Funniest Car.”In moments like these, the true joy of fatherhood reveals itself—not just in guiding our children to the finish line, but to light the way with love and laughter.Sonny Melendrezis an award-winningmotivational speaker,Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author,based in San Antonio.For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit www.SonnyMelendrez.com and listen to his podcast.I Spy With My Little Eye... ContestBy Sally KalosPlease look carefully on each and every page, scanning up and down, left and right, from front to back, and then back to front. Don’t give up!If you can find king dad, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $50! Just email the page number and location where you spotted king dad to contest@ highlightspub.com.The deadline is June 12, 2024. We hope you’ll have fun with our version of a mini-scavenger hunt within our pages. Good luck!Congratulations to our MayI Spy winner Anna WebberBHy Deborah Seguinighlights Publications would like to give you the opportunity to honor YOUR favorite militarymember or veteran (or just straight up brag about them!) The path these brave men and women have chosen also impacts family and friends. Long absences, on- call, distance, and difficult working conditions take a toll on friendships and family ties. Yet these ties remain strong.There are never enough opportunities to show how much we appreciate andcare for our military members. If you have someone you would like to see honored in this way, send a 150 words- 200 words entry telling who they are, their relationship to you, branch, service, but mostly, what you want others to know about them and why they are special to you.Send your entries along with a picture to info@highlightspub.com by June 10 in time for our July issue. It will also be a great keepsake.June 2024www.heloteshighlights.com5