Behind the scene of the public fandom it was a troubled life and emotionally and physically took a toll on Kelley, as she shares her most intimate and deeply profound innermost feelings about her father, her love of her family, her need to protect her brother Dale Jr, and her constant struggles to fit into the world of stock car racing.
It's a tough sport but even harder when you can't gain attention, when you feel ignored, when all you want as a young impressionable child is "LOVE."
To be accepted, to be appreciated, to be loved -what greater gift exist in the world?
That father daughter bond was absent partly due to being on the track, partly because of his off track fan appeal, partly due to his other extended relationships including his second wife Teresa (dating before his first marriage had even ended.)
How to measure up- go to school, get a job, be successful, get married, have kids, raise a family-all of this and more was discussed in aiming to please the man himself.
Dale Sr. was married 3 times and divorced twice. He left school in 8th grade. He was a seven time Winston Cup Series Champion and one of the most beloved drivers in the sport.
To Kelley she wondered where she fit into his inner circle. Was it due to her father's upbringing, was it because of Teresa's interactions, was he distant because of his own inner workings.
Whatever the reason she may never know but she felt it all immensely because she's someone who "Leads from the Heart."
As a child, she felt she was always sharing her father with her fans. Today she has come to respect and appreciate those fans who continue to follow this family regardless of being on or off the track.
It's a fine line with finding a life/work balance and it's not often easy when raising a family, supporting a spouse, being a cheerleader for others but you can't be both a cheerleader and a Debbie Downer.
It's important to take time off, to prioritize, to have your voice heard.
When the 41st President-George H.W.Bush suddenly passed away during her writing of this book she noticed that while he had been so successful in life he was often referred and remembered by how well he treated others. For his kind heart, his emotional appeal, his love for those around him and it showed by the huge outpouring of support his death had upon the world.
Listening, understanding, assisting others in times of needs -that's what is important in life be it as a business or as a person.
As human beings we are in a constant state of evolution always seeking the next best thing, always on the move looking forward. Yet, we need to take the time to 'smell the roses' to 'appreciate one another' to learn from our past mistakes and to know the difference between skills and passion.
Follow your dreams is a true statement along with dreaming big but going after your passion wholeheartedly will never fail if you support it with your skills and talent.
There are a number of fields of study out there today. Courses such as Criminal Justice are often filled in high numbers. Yet, think it through and know that if you're not exactly thrilled to be a police officer than you might want to focus more on the core subjects as her own daughter Karsyn.
Kelley has lived a life with highs and lows and while two divorces wasn't easy she notes that you have to let it go. Negatives weigh you down and tear away at the fibers of your natural being.
You can't control everything of what happens to you but you can choose how you respond to it all!
In closing, "Maybe he was a great race car driver and knew how to handle the public, the media, but he wasn't a great dad and that's what mattered most to me."
Kelley has shown time and time again that she was and is the foundation behind many of the decision making processes in DEI and beyond and that she is a strong and determined woman who knows how to get her voice heard. We hear her and we admire what she's accomplished and continues to explore, develop, and conquer!
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