Where is one place that you can go to make you forget about everything? A place where you can truly be in the moment, not worrying about the tough day/week you’re having, not worrying about your problems, fears, concerns… Some may call it a “happy place”… Well, I visited one of my happy places on Wednesday night: Wrigley Field.
No matter how many times I go, the feeling is the same; I love being there watching my team play baseball. For a night, forget about all the BS… the dark days last summer at the trade deadline, the shoddy roster that Cubs management is running out there this year, the future bottom of the MLB finish that awaits us in the months ahead. Sitting there on a beautiful summer night, looking out over the field, for a moment, all of that didn’t matter.
I call it the cathedral; it is holy to me. Some knock it; they’re straight up haters, period. I haven’t been to Fenway, and I love other stadiums that I have been to, but nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to Wrigley. Sure, I’m biased; this is my team’s home park; that certainly has something to do with it. My love of baseball most certainly is a factor. Being home, in my city, on this perfect summer evening, taking in the action with quite possibly my favorite person in the world… yeah; it all plays.
I wanted to see Hendricks pitch; I was a night too early for that. I don’t know how much longer he’ll be pitching for the Cubs. Same goes for Willson. I wanted to see him, to cheer him on, at least one more time in person; that dude gives it his all… we love guys like that. He went deep on this evening, and just missed a 2nd dinger in the bottom of the 8th inning, settling for a double high off the wall; we yelled loudly to celebrate our catcher. No, no… I’m not going to let any negativity seep in… not on this evening.
We scooped some water and peanuts outside the ballpark; inside we enjoyed some hot dogs and ice cream. We played catch for our trademark 3 innings right outside Wrigley; I’ll always remember these moments. I always make sure we’re back in our seats, or in many cases recently, whatever seats we decide to sit in, for the 7th inning stretch; we sing it together. It’s special; I hope it always is.
Of course, the cherry was the Cubs actually getting a W on this night; 8-3 was the final. We had hoped for that; we always do. It gives us another chance to sing. Go Cubs Go we belted out. And as we walked out of there in our Cubs jerseys and hats, I remember the times when he would be on my shoulders; I guess I could still do that, but he doesn’t ask for that any more; my back thanks him.
My biggest lesson is to not take life for granted; something I try to tell myself every day. To be able to enjoy these moments, to really soak them in… the feelings that come with all of it… this all resides deep inside my being; I am so appreciative, so blessed to be able to experience it all. When will we return…
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