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.

Play Ball!

I was determined to make Opening Day the perfect day --win or lose!

I began the day by attending early morning Mass, scheduled for Mom!

What a better way to honor her and start the day, Opening Day, then by celebrating Mass.

No work.

A beautiful day weather-wise.

Spending the day at my 'home away from home.'

And sharing "Opening Day" festivities with two very good friends.

I knew Mom would be on hand--but I could not have asked for two better people to spend the day with --on this very emotional day.

This is the 1st Opening Day I've been to without Mom. Honestly, the game is secondary to the spring of emotions that flushed through my body all day long.

Surreal.

I took a rapid, which Mom and I have not been able to do for years.

The whole family used to take the rapid to the Indians, Cavs, and Rockers Games all the time. But in recent years, not even an option.

I had to drop off a package at the Indians' Executive Offices, and saw, yet another dear friend who works the front desk.

What a treat to see 'old friends.'

Not even to our seats yet, Bob, our usher, greeted us with a huge hug and escorted us to our seats.

It's like God planned out the day perfectly knowing it was not going to be an easy one --but he cushioned it from start to finish with a whole lotta love!

Seeing Sandy Alomar, and just being back at Progressive Field for the start of baseball season brought tears to my eyes....

The outcome may not have been to our liking, but the experience was amazing!

Sandy Alomar, Jr.

What can I say.

My family has been so lucky and blessed through the years with all of our baseball experiences. We must have thousands of memories.

I was not about to pass up this next event for the potential of yet one more Cleveland Indian Memory.

Yesterday at work I found out that Sandy Alomar, Jr. was going to be taping something in studio. I made sure it was ok to come in and sit in studio during the interview. Everyone said no problem.

I have been meaning to mail Sandy a note, a few articles I have written on him, and a copy of Mom's Christmas letter.

I figured why mail it when I could give it to him in person.

And that I did.

Now the last time we all saw each other was years ago and I'm sure he did not remember me with all the people he meets...but I brought up a few stories to depict the history we've had together.

My oldest niece was/is his biggest fan. He called her a few times during his stint with the Indians....and I jogged his memory at how he mocked me when he saw me wearing a Herbert Perry t-shirt.

Good times!

I watched the taping with Matt Underwood, which was tremendous, and then approached him after the show.

Again, something I don't feel comfortable doing but it was like Mom was channelling through me and everything she would have said to him came out through me.

I first said hello to Matt, who I had worked with many many years ago. That sort of broke the ice hopefully showing Sandy that I was not really a crazy person (though I am!!).

Then I told him I had been meaning to mail some items to him and was thankful for the opportunity to give them to him in person.

I don't know if he read them. I may never know. But I certainly hope he took the time to read my articles which praised and honored him and depicted how endeared the city of Cleveland is to he and his family.....I also hope he read our annual Christmas letter. I tried to instill on him that he and the team have a heavy-hitting Guardian Angel in Heaven and they better call on her when they need her!

The fans come through yet again

Amidst one of the most emotional weeks in Cleveland Indians' Baseball history, the fans, yet again, prove why Cleveland sports fans are the best in the world.

I'm not going to rehash the events of this week.

Disappointing, sad, maddening, unbelievable, mind boggling come to mind as just a few adjectives to describe fans' wave of emotions.

Through it all, almost 5,000 fans WALKED UP to the gate tonight to buy tickets for the Indians' game....and there were nearly 33,000 folks on hand.

Yes, I was there. I may be very upset with the management team, but I will never give up on my boys, ever.

One saving grace was having a familiar and friendly face on hand to help us through. Sandy Alomar, Jr. came back into town to be inducted into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame along with Wes Ferrell, Bill Veeck, and Dick Jacobs.

Sandy.

He should still be in the Cleveland Indians' organization, and hopefully one day, he will again.

The fans gave him a rousing round of applause every time his name was mentioned, when he made the trek from the Indians' bullpen to the pitchers' mound and then when he made the ride in a convertible greeting the faithful fans.

It was sooooo good to see an old friend in the midst of a week when we lost too many good ole comrades.

The Indians front office should be bending over backwards for the best fans in the world. When will they realize just what they have before it is too late?

Thank you, Sandy, for helping us through this ugly turn of events and please come back soon!