Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to an unforgettable experience—the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500.

For my husband, Craig, cars have always been more than just machines—they’re a passion, a lifelong fascination that started with childhood trips to stock car races and evolved into a love for Formula One and IndyCar. So when our daughters surprised him with tickets to the Indy 500 for Christmas, it was a dream come true.

We planned the perfect weekend—hotel reservations, a nice dinner, and the excitement of witnessing one of the most iconic races in history. But life had other plans. What should have been a thrilling day at the track turned into a battle with food poisoning, forcing me to navigate the event in a way I never expected.

This episode is about resilience, about making the best of an imperfect situation, and about the joy of seeing someone you love experience a moment they’ve always dreamed of.

Join me as I recount the highs and lows of that weekend, the unexpected challenges, and the lasting memories of the 99th running of the Indy 500.