A Life Well-Lived

Back in 2011 I attended Retromobile in Paris. It is an event you must attend at least once in your life. I was invited by an automotive dealer to dinner with a small group of enthusiasts. He had rented a private room, upstairs in a delightfully intimate, Michelin Starred, restaurant in Paris.

There were eight of us at the dinner.

While waiting in my hotel lobby, for my fellow guests, who walks up and says hello? Sir Stirling Moss and his wife Lady Susie. I had no idea they were joining us and I was quite overwhelmed. We all walked down the streets of Paris through the cool night air, talking cars, and found our restaurant for the evening.

I was seated between Sir Stirling and his lovely wife Lady Susie. 

When you meet a legendary hero, an undisputed king of sports car racing, it’s usually for a brief moment or two. To dine with a legend like Sir Stirling Moss, and to experience him at ease and relaxed, with his wife, telling stories, reminiscing, and with no guards up, was beyond magical. No doubt the multi-course meal was out of this world but…

I can’t remember any of the meal I ate.

We lost Sir Stirling on Easter of this year. That evening in Paris helped me realize the importance of chasing your dreams, overcoming immense challenges and set backs, and living a life well-lived.  I hope you are chasing your passions each and every day and that you find ways to experience a life well-lived.

 

 

9 comments

  2. Thanks for sharing that moment. I was lucky enough up to meet many great drivers during the filming of Le Mans in 1970. It’s like these Moments will never leave your mind as long as you live.

  3. Thanks for sharing that moment. I was lucky enough up to meet many great drivers during the filming of Le Mans in 1970. Moments like that will never leave your mind as long as you live.

  5. What an incredible experience, Sir Sterling, was a kind and very accessible man, I recall talking with him several times at Pebble Beach, another automobile icon has unfortunately passed… thanks for sharing… stay well and safe…

  6. Wonderful perspective Mark. It is the connection with people that matter and to be blessed to visit, even for a 15-second hello on the field, with an icon is inspiring. Luck boy you are.

  7. That’s incredible Mark. Bravo sir. Yes everyday must be lived to the fullest in pursuit of our dreams and just allow our dreams to find us and come true.
    Thank you mark for everything you do for us. You are part of our dreams sir.
    Thank you man
    Donnie Callaway

  8. Very inspiring personal story, Mark. You should do more like this…. maybe even a podcast or something…. would probably be a big hit! 😉

  9. I met Sterling Moss in the 80s. He judged with us at Pebble Beach and other venues for many years. We always enjoyed seeing he and Susie. Sherry and I had many great times with them. Sterling and I were both a bit rambunctious back in the day. He knew he needed Susie and I knew I needed Sherry. Great guy, great driver, great wife, great fun. Another great tree has fallen in the forest.

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