One for Alonzo!

Yet another moving moment at a Cleveland Indians' Game. Many moments, really! Little Alonzo Fragoso, of Las Vegas, asked to go to an Indians' game and meet his favorite players as his "make-a-wish' request!

So sure enough, Saturday, Alonzo and his family were treated to an Indians game with all the trimmings. Alonzo got to shag fly balls before the game, hit against his favorite pitchers, hung out with the guys in the clubhouse, tossed out the first pitch to one of his heroes, Victor Martinez, and even announced an inning with public address announcer Bob Tayek!

Centerfielder Grady Sizemore asked Alonzo for HIS autograph!

Alonzo said his little league team back in Las Vegas is, what else, the Cleveland Indians!

Alonzo brought the Indians good luck. They won against the Texas Rangers after losing 7 in a row!

The Indians made one of Alonzo's dreams come true. But it looks like little Alonzo gave the Indians' and the sell-out crowd the boost they needed too!

Thanks, Alonzo! You are a hero and a true inspiration to all of us!

Blown away!

I had yet another 'brush with fame' Wednesday. We had quite the crazy day at work. Baby showers, important visitors, lots of interns running all over the place. Quite a day out of the norm to say the very least!

I won't be able to express my thought as precisely as I'd like to...but basically, I was blown away and impressed by a very gracious, sweet young man. Braylon Edwards. He rocks! He was visiting and just won me over.

Soft spoken, funny, friendly, and so gracious to everyone 'gawking' and going up to him. And when word got to him that I was a HUGE fan but a bit embarrassed to go up and bother him, he welcomed me with open arms and said 'why were you afraid to talk to me....no reason to be!'

Thanks, Braylon!

This is something I've wanted to delve into but have not had the time or all the knowledge. But I'd love to see a story on the great athletes we have in town. Fans see them on the field and hear when something controversial happens or when they strike out four times in one game. However, what Cleveland fans do not see about their Indians, Cavs, and Browns (and Gladiators) is the 'behind the scenes' philanthropic activities many of these athletes pursue and are connected with on a daily basis.

Braylon not only dazzles fans on the field, but continues doing good for this community whether granting a young child's last wish before he dies and THEN paying for his funeral or donating literally millions of dollars to a certain charity. Braylon is not the only one. Many of the athletes in this town DO support Cleveland by their charitable actions off the field as well as on.

Thanks to all of you! Just yet another reason I LOVE THIS TOWN!

Rank: Only slightly invisible

Do you ever feel like you are invisible? This is not a bad thing! In fact, this is something I've learned to embrace and take pride in! Especially when I am with Mom. I've gotten to be known as 'Marianne's daughter.' Aren't you "Marianne's daughter?" And then everyone starts gushing about Mom.

I love it! They should gush. She is a remarkable woman! The fact that I am known as a wonderful woman's daughter....not a bad legacy to have!

However, I've noticed something of late! My rank of 'totally invisible' has risen to 'only slightly invisible.' What happened? What caused this catastrophic movement on the earth's surface? I don't think I'll ever know.

It really came to light yesterday at Dialysis. We were there at a different time. As I left, a tech and nurse (both very good looking I might add), took a double take, stopped me in the hallway and asked 'WHY are you here now?' I never even realized they knew WHO I was? Let alone who I was with and our time?!?! However, apparently they do. One started talking to me about the Indians. The other one, just started making small talk. It was actually very refreshing (and quite surprising) to see how 2 people I respect very much reciprocated the gesture! Did I mention how so very good looking both of them are!

Thanks for a thrilling season, Cavs!

Thanks! Our season may be over but what a thrilling 7-8 months!

Nothing to hang your or our heads about. You played hard. You played tough! For those of us who have been cheering all season long, a great ride!

I'm not gonna say 'wait until next year' because frankly life is too fragile and no one knows what even tomorrow will bring.

What I do know is that right now we have a very talented group of guys. We have a very shrewd management team in place. We do have THE #1 superstar, for now. That may have been our downfall. There are 5 guys on the court. Not just 1. Our 5 guys are pretty darn talented. The hype over just one guy brought on by the fans, the media and even the players themselves may have psyched out the makeup of this whole team. Oh, I have seen on at least 4 occasions over the last 2 weeks in pressure cooker situations the ball given to our superstar with just a few seconds left on the clock, and he 'dropped the ball.'

There is no 'I' in Team. We just have to play that way and we'll be ok on the court and off the court!

Kudos to an exciting season!

Beautiful animals

I've said this before about other amazing things, but will reiterate. You know there is a God when you peruse the beautiful composition and makeup of the Equus caballus.

Ok, the horse. I have taken horseback riding lessons. I think they are amazingly smart, brave, and very affectionate animals. Mom's relatives had a farm out in Chardon and she, too, shares my views about these beautiful creatures.

It's very disheartening when I hear the uninformed stirring up controversy about racing being a cruel pasttime. I agree that there are some people in this world who should not have animals. There are those who should not be allowed to own a horse or a dog because they do abuse and neglect them, for whatever reasons. There are also humans who should not have children or be allowed to reproduce. But that is a topic for another day.

My belief is that these race horses, such as the ones who ran today in Maryland, are treated better than humans. If the protesters don't know that, well...

The trainers, owners, jockeys, and vets treat these animals like royalty. They lovingly embrace them as a precious member of the family. They buy them 550 dollar shoes to cushion their fragile hooves, if necessary, and feed them very well. They fawn over them constantly. The animals get a great work out every day and enjoy the outdoors. Frankly, that does not sound like a bad gig to me!

Animal-less Homo sapiens should take heed at how lovingly these special animals (horses and dogs) interact with their owners. The world might be a better place!

So many causes, so little time

There are so many causes in the world today, and every single one of them is valid and newsworthy. As the saying goes, pick your battles wisely...and I guess that's how we should champion our causes so as not to be totally overwhelmed.

As something hits close to home, it seems we become more passionate about it and embrace it.

Mom came home from dialysis today with a stack full of flyers stating at the top "Make your voice heard to Congress!"

As many of you may have read in an earlier post, I hate politics. I think there are a handful of people pulling all the strings and, at times, the little guy really has no say. However, that does not mean we should give up the fight!

I'd like to get up on this soap box for a few minutes because I do have someone on dialysis with kidney issues.

Try to make the time to log onto http://www.capitolconnect.com/kidneycare/default.aspx.

This is for the Kidney Care Partners Community Petition. Basically, it says that more than 26 million Americans alone suffer from CKD which is Chronic Kidney Disease. Many people do not even know they have it, and if left untreated will more than likely lead to kidney failure and End-Stage Renal Disease.

The numbers are staggering. They project the # of people with kidney failure will DOUBLE over the next ten years.

Most should be covered by Medicare but it appears that this petition is pushing for Congress (my favorite people) to pass kidney-related Medicare reforms which hopefully in the long run will help this problem.

Allegedly, these reforms would

1. Educate the public about kidney disease
2. Give pre-dialysis education in order to slow down the disease, if possible
3. Enhance much needed training for dialysis care technicians
4. Help give kidney patients access to quality treatment without high costs
5. Overall, promote greater awareness about this growing problem

I've seen a dialysis session. I'm there with Mom as she tries to get all the kinks out after sitting in the same position for over four hours...while the tech takes the needles out of her arm....and the bottom line is, if you don't do this, you die.

If we can all band together to get the word out, and try to make a difference, maybe one day we will.

Even if this cause is not one you wish to champion, I hope you sit back, contemplate, and think of a few causes that are near and dear to your heart, and then jump in with both feet, head first!

Thank you, Mom!

I state the obvious: I would not be here today were it not for you, Mom!

But putting the blatant obvious aside, You have been my rock, my support system, my best friend.

I can not thank you enough for everything you have done to make my life more than I could ever imagine. We always had what we needed, and most of the time, what we wanted!

You somehow mustered up the funds, the clothes, the time to help on extra special things such as school projects, or whatever!

Which continued during College....somehow worked your magic to allow me to take a trip to Paris, France....and when I needed something, you would make the drive to bring "supplies" and the goods!

Which continued when I graduated and started in the real workforce, always giving me the confidence and telling me I can do anything!

I should not speak for us all, but I will. Our wonderful memories are because of you. Taking care of 6 people, more than 6 people when Uncle Johnny lived with us! It seems throughout your entire life, you were always taking care of the masses....your brothers and sister when you were a teen....then my cousins when they were small....then all of us.....you've been given a great gift.

Not to mention ALL of the amazing baseball trips...ALL of the fun times we shared while on those jaunts....the love of baseball.....the world wise knowledge....the old-time stories shared time and time again.....seeing how others flock to you and have only nice things to say.....being there when I needed a pal to go to a concert.....we've seen some great acts together: Clapton, Bruce, Don Henley, Elton...the list is endless.....

And then Katie. Katie was Colleen's but knew when she wanted something, WHO to go to and that someone was YOU.

I could go on. Every single day of my life I am awestruck at the respect and love others have for you. I can not live a day without someone coming up to me telling me how wonderful you are...asking about you, telling me how much they adore you...and telling me how lucky I am having you as a Mother! But, I already knew all of that!

I DO want to be like you when I grow up.

I thank God every day that you are still with us. There were some close calls. But, all I can do is continue embracing every minute we have together, thanking God for each memory made, and attempt to show you how much I love you (which will NEVER be enough compared to what you have done for me) while I still can.

Thank you, Mom. I love you. Happy Mother's Day!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Hard habit to break

I can honestly say that I am blessed. I can not think of one single habit that rules my life. I don't feel the need to sneak away from work, or a wedding, or a ballgame, or anything to run and have a cigarette. I rack my brains trying to find something. Something I need every hour on the hour. So far, coming up empty. So I consider myself blessed!

I grew up around smokers. Many of my friends are smokers. I have nothing against them. I could NEVER marry a smoker. However, in today's times, I find it disturbing that there are so many smokers STILL out there.

With all the knowledge we have today about health problems stemming from that little cancer stick crutch. COPD, CHF, Emphysema, Cancer, Chronic Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Kidney failure leading to dialysis...the list is endless.

And for me, just as idiotic: the cost. I don't even know what it costs for a carton of cigarettes these days, but I've heard it could be just as much as filling your gas tank with gas (and we know how costly that can be!).

I guess it hits home because I have numerous family members suffering from collateral damage of smoking. My uncle down south used to and may still have to walk around with an oxygen tank.

An Aunt has incessant bronchitis, emphysema, coughing jags....

And Mom, well what is there to say. They took a pie slice of her lung...she has had pneumonia at least three times...she has COPD and CHF. And 1 and 1/2 years ago she was sentenced to dialysis for the rest of her life. What a horrible process to have to live through three times a week.

I don't blame Mom. That generation had NO idea. Their heroes on the big screen had a cigarette in their mouth constantly. The medical world had no clue what this beast would bring.

However, in today's society, when we have lost so many people to nicotine....when we DO know the effects of that awful habit, I would hope people would use their heads and their heart and their willpower a bit more aggressively to 'kick the habit.' To no avail.

It's amazing the difference. When you are constantly in the midst, you get used to it. When the smoking factor is gone, it's wonderful and extremely noticeable. Now, when someone in a 1 mile radius is smoking, oh you can tell! And it is very bothersome. I entered a room this morning where two men were smoking and my eyes immediately began to water and burn. I am a huge allergy sufferer BUT noticed that when the smoking factor is not there, my allergies are 50 to 70 percent better.

I saw a kid, and he was a punk kid, leaving the Indians' game the other day. Before he could even exit the ballpark, he had to light up. First of all, RUDE! Second of all this 15-year-old may not live to graduate college at this rate.

I am always amazed at how 'smokers' think they can break the rules. It says DO NOT SMOKE but that does not mean for ME! Just because I am not supposed to smoke at Progressive Field or Cleveland Browns Stadium, a bar/restaurant now, or a music venue, well I am absolved from that rule! How can someone believe they are above the law?

All I can do is pray that these uneducated youngsters (and oldsters) do not have to endure my Mother's nightmare........

Incomplete transaction

What does 'incomplete transaction' really mean? I pull up to the ATM, deposit a check, and get a computer screen message and receipt message saying 'incomplete transaction.' Yet, the ATM spits out my card back to me and gobbles up my check.

So I venture inside to ask them what 'incomplete transaction' really means. The lines are long. One by one, another victim decides to leave because the wait is unbearable.

We're being told there is no good day to make a visit and all banks are packed right now due to tax checks and economic stimulus checks. Sure, the one day in the year that I actually visit the inside of a bank!

I, too, must bail before I can ask what 'incomplete transaction' means.

I am now traveling in my vehicle. I call the bank # given to me. After trying very hard to push every button and say every command imaginable, I finally get Heather, a customer service representative. After explaining what I have been through, she was extremely helpful. Probably one of the most helpful customer service people I have ever dealt with. However, she too, says, 'I have no idea what that means. I have never received a complaint that someone received an incomplete transaction message.'

Her suggestion: call me back tomorrow and hopefully this will have worked itself out.

In the meantime, my check and explanation of 'incomplete transaction' are both floating in limbo!

With triumph comes tragedy

We have a lot of traditions in my family. Well, I should say, we used to. Mom and I still carry most of them out ourselves. It's tradition. It's who we are. It's where we came from.

We are not big gamblers but DO follow the major races. Saturday was the first one, the Kentucky Derby.

Mom and I love horses and enjoy everything that surrounds these major races. Each jockey, owner, trainer has a touching story to tell. Each horse has their own charm and beauty beyond words.

So we continued the tradition this year. We were running around from daybreak til bedtime but did take out time to sit down and watch the Kentucky Derby. We usually wind up having dinner while we watch the festivities. Mom breaks into the Derby song and sings along with the crowd because they run the words on the bottom of the screen. It's great. I love this time with Mom. Then we watch the race. I would not trade this precious time for anything.

This year's excitement right at the top with past races.

And they're off.

Who knew at the start of the race that two families would be changed forever by the end of the race.

Kent Desormeaux rode Big Brown. He has a great story and was absolutely speechless after his huge win, especially with Big Brown overcoming being #20.

Co-owner Michael Iavarone was not speechless but giddy. He could not stop gushing, laughing, hugging and expressing his absolute exhilaration at his horse winning the Kentucky Derby.

However, at the exact same time, the owner, jockey and trainer of Eight Belles was experiencing horror. Eight Belles, who finished second, ran one heck of a race. She broke her two ankles and collapsed just after crossing the finish line. This three-year-old filly had to be euthanized moments after the end of the race due to her injuries. Horrifying. Heart breaking. Mom and I are still stunned and crying over this absolutely awful occurrence.

Mom summed it up best. Why can't humans be more like certain animals. Horses and dogs. They love their owners unconditionally. They obey their owners to no end. They would die for their owners. Eight Belles did. She ran one heck of a race, gave it her all even though she was in peril and pain. She had 'heart' and was not going to let her owner, trainer and jockey down. She did not. Not only did she finish the race but finished in second place before her collapse.

If only human beings would muster up some 'heart' and fight to the finish for the ones they love. Make the ultimate sacrifice.

Our hearts go out to everyone connected to Eight Belles. She is definitely in a better place. Her spirit and courage will never be forgotten.

Fell on my doopa

I laughed so hard, I started crying!

But the greatest thing about this mishap was that I did not care how many or who saw me take the plunge. I guess I am past the age of getting embarrassed at certain things.

So, I was re-enacting the awkward catch David Dellucci of the Cleveland Indians' made during Thursday night's ball game against the Seattle Mariners. He misjudged the ball and actually made a 'girlie' move where he reached back for the ball while making a 'ball and chain' dance kick.

He caught the ball and all was right with the world.

I on the other hand, lost all balance, and somehow in slow, yet quick motion landed on my behind up on the news assignment desk before I even knew what or how this happened. My esteemed colleague, Russ, did not even have time to grab me, look surprised, or react in some fashion. And the entire editing staff standing behind me, behind the glass, saw the entire escapade. The next thing I know they are running out from behind the glass wall with quizzical looks on their face. For a few seconds, concern in their faces until they saw me rolling on the floor in laughter and then the Smart Alec quips began!

You have to understand. Russ and I have this quirky rule. If you start falling but say "I'm going" no one can laugh. If you are falling and don't have time to say "I'm falling" anything goes. Well, I did not even know I was falling until I was on the ground, so anything goes!

I sure needed that tonight! Thanks a bunch big Guy up in the sky!

Street cleaners alive and well

Say it isn't so. I actually saw a street cleaner today spewing water. I can not tell you how many times I have seen a street cleaner drive up and down moving the dirt around, no fluid, no water, nothing. Actually, it usually appears as if they are making the street dirtier.

But not today, baby. I saw a genuine City of Cleveland street cleaner approaching to my left and it was spewing a heck of a lot of water onto the roadway. Hallelujah!