Yesterday may have been one of the most perfect days of my life. I was invited by Lulu to join two of our very best friends to go see a Cubs game. It was possibly the most beautiful day of the summer so far and a beautiful day for a ballgame. I was giddy at the thought of going to Wrigley Field as I haven't had the chance to go since we moved back to Chicago six years ago. This is a long time for me to go without my Cubs.
Yes, it's true. I'm one of those people. I am a die hard Cubs fan. Win or lose, they are my team and I will never desert them. I am one of those people who really believes that this is the year they are going to win. I am one of those people who even when the Sox won the World Series, I refused to switch loyalty. I politely congratulated the Sox fans and was happy my city had a winning team, but still turned my thoughts to next year.
I've often wondered what the secret sauce is that makes Chicagoans a very distinct breed. I am convinced that it has something to do with having to survive somewhat harsh winters, but I believe that even more than that, it has a lot to do with the Chicago Cubs. Anyone who has ever been a Cubs fan for any length of time knows what true optimism is. It's always believing that it will turn out right in the end, that there is another chance waiting, that the impossible can happen. Now imagine a whole city (or at least half of a city) filled wth a bunch of people who have taken the defiinition of optimism to heart. That's a Cubs fan. That's a Chicagoan.
Watching the Cubs yesterday reminded me that the Cubs are actually part of who I am. I would never describe myself as a sports nut, or even a baseball nut, just a loyal Cubs fan. I inherited my love of the Cubs from my mother, who watched almost every Cubs game on TV while she sewed or did other chores. She's the one who took my brother and I to games when we were young. I inherited optimism.
So, when I tell you it was a perfect day yesterday. It was indeed perfect. The weather was warm, the sun was shining, I was with my good friends, I had a hot dog and beer, I sat in Wrigley Field and of course, I watched the Cubs win. That's a perfect day.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Unbridled Optimism
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4 comments:
I have such a tortured past with the Cubs. I've followed them since age five. Although I have lost much of the optimism you speak of, there is still some visceral reaction I have when I see them. I so badly want them to succeed. And, you're right, seeing a Cubs win at Wrigley in the afternoon makes for a pretty kick-ass day.
Hell, a beer and a hotdog with Lulu and you would be a perfect day for anyone! Glad your Cubs won. Bet your mama was cheering from above.
It was an all around perfect day, wasn't it? My BFFs, a winning game, hot dogs and beer, a drink at Guthries, and then back to J&S's for steaks and red wine followed by home made chocolate gelato. I'm glad Gails husband had the asthma attack and ended up in the hosptial so you could join us.
They have been a lot of fun to watch lately. I still haven't made it to a game lately-- both Adam and I have been busy, with his own baseball playing partly. I'll have to email my season ticket connection soon.
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