Play Ball!

“Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!”
― Babe Ruth

Yesterday was Opening Day for the 2014 Baseball Season.  Many people it was just another day and they do not care.  For those of us that are huge baseball fans it's the beginning of an up and down season.  It signifies to me the start of spring and the joyous thought that Summer is right around the corner.  Censie is not a huge baseball fan but she puts up with me watching the games.  I am one of those select few that can watch a baseball game from beginning to end on TV without getting board. 

Also this gets me excited to take Jude and Teagan out to Coors Field to watch a Rockies game. We will go and have hot dogs and maybe some popcorn and if the kiddos are good we often times get ice cream.  We don’t just get the cone of ice cream we get the ice cream in the baseball helmet is there any other way to eat ice cream at a baseball game?

Baseball has always been a big part of my life.  I grew up playing and loving the sport, it didn't come 100% naturally to me but then again nothing did when you were 13 years old and almost 6'0" tall but only weighed about 120 lbs, I was awkward to say the least but I still loved getting out and playing baseball.  I spent a lot of time at the little league because my dad was the President of the Little League so if I wanted to see my dad I was there.  I then also umpired as a job and got to help teach some of the younger kids about baseball. 

I grew up going to baseball games with my Father and Grandfather's.  At that time it was the Denver Zephyrs, a minor league team but still loved going.  We even went to a game for my birthday one year.  My silly sister tried to convince me that we were going to a Bronco's game but come on Heidi I knew the sports seasons!   I have a lot of great memories of playing and watching baseball and I know that it can teach you a lot of valuable lessons like neither a slump nor a streak can last forever.  Also anyone can be the hero on any given night. 

Jude is somewhat interested in baseball but does not want to watch the games with me on TV but he does like going to games.  Trust me if either one of them ask me to take them to a game you can guarantee I will be looking for a way to get tickets to the game.  I will not pass on a chance to go watch a game at a stadium.  I hope that this is something that I can share with my children as they get older but if not oh well I will always have my love for Baseball.  

A Whirlwind of Emotions

WHY????

10/17/2012.  This has been a post that I have been trying to write since that date.  Sadly this is the day that that my Grandfather, or my "Papa" as he will always be in my heart passed away.  

Thankfully I was able to be present with him at his house with family and friends when he passed away.  This is something that was very hard for me but also something special for me to be there with him.  I know that he is no longer in pain and that he is at peace but as we know it is hard for the individuals left behind.

I went through my memories that day and I am continuously going through memories as we get closer to the funeral and with my family coming out.  I am very lucky to have been able to have my Papa with me for 31 years.  I remember going with him and my father to Baseball Card shows and he would always talk to me about the cards and help me pick out cards.   He always let us play with his little slot machine while we were at his house, I am lucky that he gave this to our family and it is now sitting in my house.  I remember when he would call the house when we had a baby sitter and they were freaked out because a robot was talking to him but that was just papa talking with his "talk box" that I called it due to having a stoma.  

I am very thankful that Jude got to meet him but am also saddened that he passed three days prior to Teagan being born.  I know that he is watching our family from heaven and I hope that he is proud.  

This is one of the pictures that I got of Jude playing with Papa.  This was after Papa had been sick but was still able to enjoy playing with Jude.  This picture will always hold a special place in my heart. I feel the tears coming up as I am writing this.  I got to see the smiles on both of their faces and see Jude get "buzzed" with the "talk box" he used to talk and remembered how it felt as a child to get buzzed by Papa.  

Papa will always remain in my heart and I will share stories about him with joy and happiness.  Every time I see poker chips, slot machines, sports cards and sadly the Raiders, I will think about my papa.  I am blessed to have had him in my life and I am glad to know that he is spending time with his dad up in Heaven and hope that he has found peace and joy.  I love you Papa!