Oh Mom, how I miss you

The next few weeks surely will knock my socks off or kick my butt.

I'm embracing the change, the opportunities sent my way, and plan on savoring every single moment.

My work schedule has been changed for a few weeks while we cover vacations.

I greet the chance with open arms.

I used to fill in on this shift a million years ago....and because of the fortunate shake up I get to see my boys 8 games in a row.

My week with the Tribe kicked off with the Indians Hall of Fame Induction weekend, and Kenny Lofton coming back to town.

Mom should have been here. I'm sure she was. But, it was definitely not the same. I could not contain myself --sobbing, smiling, asthma attack or hyperventilating. Quite emotional for many in the stands, but definitely for me.

I can't describe and put into words my love of the game of baseball....my interest in the Cleveland Indians....and the memories my Mother and I (and my whole family really) have shared over the years with our Cleveland Indians.

Memories that will get me through the next 1/2 of my life.

Kenny Lofton always soft spoken and humble. He got fired up when he spoke of his love for Cleveland and the fans...and when he proclaimed that Cleveland WILL have a championship in the near future!

The 1st night of my stretch ended abruptly as my friend became sick and we had to leave the event early. Maybe for the better. I was quite emotional and needed some time to decompress. Though I always say I don't like going places alone, I do like traveling alone so as not to be pulled away from an event prematurely.

Sunday, more of the same. Cleveland Indians and then at 530pm a reception with dozens of Cleveland Indians greats.

Unfortunately, my friend was still sick and called me a bit too late for me to get another traveling partner. I was beside myself. I really wanted to take my friend Marc but it was too late. I should have just invited him initially. Live and learn.

However, I truly believe everything happens for a reason.

I mustered up the courage to attend this event alone and had an absolutely amazing time, even by myself.

I got dozens of autographs from the greats.....had a nice conversation with Dave Burba (who is a HUNK and 1/2, holy hell!).....told Mudcat Grant how I met him at 16 and he told me, "honey, if you still want to be a ballplayer at 18, come back and see me." Well, I outgrew my goal of being a major league ballplayer. I don't believe women and men should play together. Leave it to the boys. So I never went back to see him until tonight!

I saw the woman who threw Mom's 80th birthday party.

I was fortunate to sit in the audience for a special STO alumni round table taping.

And again, I cried.

Watching the interactions of Kenny Lofton and his best friend Sandy Alomar, Jr made me laugh so hard I cried. Seeing the interactions of Mike Hargrove, Sam McDowell, Sandy, and Kenny was the best, just the best. They are truly great people and I am a better person for choosing this as my hobby rather than some other pointless endeavor.

I did not want to be alone, yet cherished the opportunity to experience this memory-making evening and embraced the moment.

At the end of the night, I so desperately wanted to talk to Mom but knew she had been there with me the whole time and that is why I had the courage to face this experience solo. Next, I wanted to call an in-town friend of mine though he's been too busy to have anything to do with me. So, I can always count on my friend Craig and I talked off his ear until I arrived home.

As I drove off, there was the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen.....I did drive off into the sunset on a magical evening.