2nd day in a row I am hobnobbing with a Cleveland Indian.
This does not normally happen to me.
I was fortunate to attend the Press Club Luncheon with Manny Acta.
Though that in itself was a huge deal, there was an even bigger story unfolding.
This was the first time I had been back to the Terrace Club since Mom's 80th birthday bash and since she passed away. I knew I'd see old friends. I was looking forward to seeing familiar faces, I just did not know who they would be.
The 1st person I saw when I walked in was Kristan Dolan. Yes, she is related to the Indians' owner and she helped me plan Mom's party to a tee! But more importantly, Mom and I had gotten to know Kristan's Mom and Dad --two of the nicest people you could ever know. They immediately took a liking to Mom the minute they met her --the normal response when people met Mom.
I then saw Mary Jo, the manager. She and Mom were very close.
Many of the servers, the chefs, the bartenders....
The initial reason for me being back in the Terrace Club took a back seat to all of the emotions which came bursting through and I became teary-eyed and very shaken.
I had attended the luncheon alone so I sat at a table alone for a while. That was quite awkward. I hate events such as these. But, it was actually good I was alone because being back just knocked the breath out of me.
All of the great times Mom and I had there came rushing back and I was very overwhelmed. I have a feeling I will get this way time and time again until the day I die.
The lunch was fabulous as usual. And the presentation was tremendous. CLICK HERE for an article I wrote regarding Manny Acta's Terrace Club Event.
After his speech and the question & answer period was over, I was fortunate to chat with some staffers including Bob DiBiasio and Curtis Danburg. I shared Mom's story with them both and gave them copies of Mom's Christmas letter. I refreshed Bobby D's memory on how Mom sent him a letter way back when asking if any Indians could send her daughter 'sweet sixteen' birthday cards. Well, Mom came through. For my 16th birthday, though it was around Christmas and the off-season, I wound up getting birthday cards from all over the world from Cleveland Indians: Bo Diaz from Venezuela, Dave Duncan, Dave Garcia, Jerry Dybzinski, Rookie of the Year Joe Charboneau, Duane Kuiper, Wayne Kirby, and so many more! Mom always came through for me!
Then I waited in line to meet Manny Acta, get his autograph and take a picture with him. But more importantly, I told him that my mother passed away on the day he was named Cleveland Indians' manager. He and his team have the biggest Guardian Angel up in the Heavens and he better take advantage of that! He was very cordial, took the letter and said he would hang it in his office. Hopefully, if he does, it will inspire him and bring my Cleveland Indians --Mom's Cleveland Indians-- the luck they need for many years to come!
I managed to hold myself together until I walked out of the banquet hall. The minute I reached the elevators, the flood gates opened and never stopped the whole way home.
They were tears of joy. Even though Mom is gone, she continues making memories with me --making Cleveland Indians' memories with me, and it feels good!!!
This does not normally happen to me.
I was fortunate to attend the Press Club Luncheon with Manny Acta.
Though that in itself was a huge deal, there was an even bigger story unfolding.
This was the first time I had been back to the Terrace Club since Mom's 80th birthday bash and since she passed away. I knew I'd see old friends. I was looking forward to seeing familiar faces, I just did not know who they would be.
The 1st person I saw when I walked in was Kristan Dolan. Yes, she is related to the Indians' owner and she helped me plan Mom's party to a tee! But more importantly, Mom and I had gotten to know Kristan's Mom and Dad --two of the nicest people you could ever know. They immediately took a liking to Mom the minute they met her --the normal response when people met Mom.
I then saw Mary Jo, the manager. She and Mom were very close.
Many of the servers, the chefs, the bartenders....
The initial reason for me being back in the Terrace Club took a back seat to all of the emotions which came bursting through and I became teary-eyed and very shaken.
I had attended the luncheon alone so I sat at a table alone for a while. That was quite awkward. I hate events such as these. But, it was actually good I was alone because being back just knocked the breath out of me.
All of the great times Mom and I had there came rushing back and I was very overwhelmed. I have a feeling I will get this way time and time again until the day I die.
The lunch was fabulous as usual. And the presentation was tremendous. CLICK HERE for an article I wrote regarding Manny Acta's Terrace Club Event.
After his speech and the question & answer period was over, I was fortunate to chat with some staffers including Bob DiBiasio and Curtis Danburg. I shared Mom's story with them both and gave them copies of Mom's Christmas letter. I refreshed Bobby D's memory on how Mom sent him a letter way back when asking if any Indians could send her daughter 'sweet sixteen' birthday cards. Well, Mom came through. For my 16th birthday, though it was around Christmas and the off-season, I wound up getting birthday cards from all over the world from Cleveland Indians: Bo Diaz from Venezuela, Dave Duncan, Dave Garcia, Jerry Dybzinski, Rookie of the Year Joe Charboneau, Duane Kuiper, Wayne Kirby, and so many more! Mom always came through for me!
Then I waited in line to meet Manny Acta, get his autograph and take a picture with him. But more importantly, I told him that my mother passed away on the day he was named Cleveland Indians' manager. He and his team have the biggest Guardian Angel up in the Heavens and he better take advantage of that! He was very cordial, took the letter and said he would hang it in his office. Hopefully, if he does, it will inspire him and bring my Cleveland Indians --Mom's Cleveland Indians-- the luck they need for many years to come!
I managed to hold myself together until I walked out of the banquet hall. The minute I reached the elevators, the flood gates opened and never stopped the whole way home.
They were tears of joy. Even though Mom is gone, she continues making memories with me --making Cleveland Indians' memories with me, and it feels good!!!
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