CUBS and Family

8 Nov

By now, of course, you have seen all photos and videos – after 108 years, the CHICAGO CUBS won the World Series. Pinch me – it’s not a dream.

We watched games 6 and 7 last Tuesday and Wednesday,  from front row (ok, TV) seats. On Friday, we actually joined the 5 million celebration on Michigan Avenue.

But there was one more thing we needed to do.

Besides this incredible come from behind story, there have been so many stories of loved ones who never saw the CUBS win the big one. Social media and the news are filled with feel good stories – how loving the CUBS is a family tradition handed down from one generation to the next. I get it because it’s true for me too.  But how best to bring loved ones into this jubilation?

After the win, Wrigley Field provided the answer… people began writing the names of loved ones on the storied walls.

On Sunday, Len, Benita and I walked to Wrigley Field. Even the sky was CUBBIE blue.

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©Blogginginitaly.com

So many people were out taking in the sunshine and feeling the afterglow of this victory, including us.

As we neared the ballpark, we were greeted with this wonderful sight. Chills.

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©Blogginginitaly.com

©Blogginginitaly.com

©Blogginginitaly.com

A bit of history: The ballpark first opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park for Charles Weeghman’s Chicago Whales of the Federal League, which folded after the 1915 baseball season. The Cubs played their first home game at the park in on April 20, 1916, defeating the Cincinnati Reds with a score of 7–6 in 11 innings.

Seemed like a good photo op.

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©Blogginginitaly.com

Then we worked our way to the wall – we were on a mission. In my pocket was a favorite photo of my parents…a bit faded, but so like them, out enjoying life and having fun.

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©Blogginginitaly.com

We searched for the right spot, and thanks to Benita’s long arm and a nearby chair, my parents became part of the celebration – Benita and Bill, Nana and Papa, part of Wrigley forever. Perfect!

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©Blogginginitaly.com

And talk about location! If you look carefully, you can see their names between two hearts right below the bottom red tiles.

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©Blogginginitaly.com

We grew up watching the CUBS. Win or lose, they were part of our lives and our conversations. And in my Mom’s later years, when she couldn’t be as active as she’d like, she relished watching each and every game. Tears of happiness came easily for her when they won, and “not to worry – someday” if they didn’t. Of course, we had lots of somedays, until now.

Go, Cubs, Go!” is a song written by Steve Goodman in 1984 and sung by fans after each win. I’d often call my Mom after a win to sing it with her on the phone. I can see her smiling now.

Congratulations to our CHICAGO CUBS. Mission accomplished – in so many wonderful ways!

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©Blogginginitaly.com

Ciao,
Judy

17 Responses to “CUBS and Family”

  1. Melinda November 8, 2016 at 11:31 AM #

    What an amazing time in Chicago and to be a Cubs fan! I was on the edge of my seat! Glad you all got to experience it up close!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. bestson808 November 8, 2016 at 11:32 AM #

    “HEY HEY”

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Jean November 8, 2016 at 11:32 AM #

    That brought tears to my eyes, Judy. We are working in Nevada for the election and just taking a coffee break. Thank you for the inspiration to keep going.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Danny Romano November 8, 2016 at 11:33 AM #

    I remember watching a game with your mother and how much of a fan she was.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. wcrx1234 November 8, 2016 at 11:47 AM #

    <#

    Like

  6. Royce Larsen November 8, 2016 at 11:55 AM #

    Thank you for the epilogue

    Great pictures

    Appropriate sentiment

    It does seem “like family”

    ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Barbara Kaines November 8, 2016 at 3:14 PM #

    For 2 weeks we became Cubbies watching each game and wishing them the big win. It was fabulous! Such fun even for new fans. Welcome home. We will return to Cortona earlier next year. August 25-Sept 22. Ciao Barbara

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    • blogginginitaly November 8, 2016 at 5:00 PM #

      Welcome aboard! It is pretty contagious, unless, of course, you are from Cleveland.

      Like

  8. Hilary Martinez November 8, 2016 at 7:59 PM #

    Congrats❤️️ It was a wonderful victory Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Florence Ann (Mahon) Sorensen November 22, 2016 at 8:57 AM #

    Judy, I love your blog! We love Cortona too—-and The Cubs! Please contact me! Love to see you.

    Like

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