The Cubs are more than just a baseball team

The Chicago Cubs are often referred to as the lovable losers. They had not won a World Series in 108 years and a national league pennant in 71 years until the recent win this year. My family has been Cubs fan ever since I can remember. My dad was their biggest fan. He instilled a love in the Cubbies at an early age and passed down the passion to his five grand kids.

He took us to Chicago as often as he could and when the grand kids came along, we all went together. Most games they didn't win, we didn't care. We sat in Wrigley Field eating our popcorn and cracker jacks and cheered them on together as a family. My dad said he loved Wrigley because it was one of the last old school ball parks; you could just smell the peanuts and hot dogs and enjoy a ball game. He ran away from his home in Kentucky when he was 15 years old and ended up in Chicago selling magazine subscriptions door to door until his father finally found him. Chicago was where he wanted to be, and even at the age of 15 he found a way of getting what he wanted. He went to his first Cubs game and he was hooked.

My oldest son went when he was three. My dad drove us both to Chicago. We rode the Ferris wheel at the Navy Pier and took the L train to Wrigley Field. This was also my first game. I was a ballerina girl, never really interested in ball games. But having my first son changed me and I'm glad I went. I too was hooked; Cubs fan for life.

My dad took my brother for a play off game in 2003 and although they lost, they made a great memory.

My sister and her family have been several times and my niece and nephew are also loyal Cubs fans.

When Chris and I married, we took a trip to Chicago to celebrate Tony's bday and we have taken the boys several times to cheer for our Cubs. 

So, when they made it to the World Series this year we had to go. Bryce and I got in the car and drove over 1500 miles in 48 hours to Cleveland to see game two. It was the road trip of a lifetime in memory of my dad and we talked about him throughout the journey. It was amazing to see them win but it was even better to spend that time with my oldest son.

It was more than a trip to the World Series because being a Cubs fan is more than just watching baseball. Win or loose they made it and we will always root, root, root for the Cubbies! #flythew

Pops guided us the entire journey, that's his favorite hat on the dashboard. 

"Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience," Colossians 1:11

Grace and Peace, 

Misty 

A note to my son on his 18th birthday

My first born, the baby boy who made me a mom first, came into this world 18 years ago today.  My life forever changed that day and it has been a journey filled with equal amounts of joy and heartbreak, tears, celebrations, and an abundance of love. I learned as I went with him, since he was my first and we evolved together.

He learned a lot of life's tough lessons early and I know there are still many to learn. As he moves through the next stage of his life, I hope he remembers a few things I've taught him along the way....

1. Always put God first, always. There are no short cuts on this one.
2. Trust your "inner voice" your gut, that's God whispering to you, listen.
3.  Right is right and wrong is wrong, there are no grey areas. If in your gut, you know it is wrong, do not do it. It is that simple.
4. Respect women always, open doors, pull out her chair, take time to truly listen to her. Treat her like the gift she is.
5. Be joyful, grateful, and humble. Life is full of daily miracles, notice them.
6. You do not need a group of many friends, you need a couple of true friends. When you find them, hold onto them,
7. Remember those life lessons you learned early? Don't forget them, don't repeat them. Learn from them and move forward.
8. Work hard now for the next five years. If you work hard your Senior year and all through college you will be able to play the rest of your life. You will be set up to succeed. If you play the next five years, you will work the rest of your life. The choice is yours, choose wisely.
9. When in doubt, open your bible.  You will find the answers.
10. I am always here for you. No problem is too big, no worry is too small.

Bryce, I truly believe the best is yet to come in your life. God has a plan and it's amazing to watch it unfold. It's been a joy to walk with you the last 18 years. Happy Birthday, today is your day. I hope you celebrate, dance, sing and are joyful today and every day. I love you to heaven and back.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6


Grace and Peace,
Mom

Everyone has a story to tell, sometimes you simply have to just be silent to hear them

I love to travel, to see new things and meet new people. But mostly I love to travel to learn new stories. We all have a story to tell. Some of us deliver our stories in a whisper, through our actions and others, well you just know it because they deliver them in a louder way. Our stories make us who we are, tell where we have been and give others a glimpse on where we are going. Sometimes people will share their stories with you instantly and sometimes it takes time but often you just have to be silent long enough to truly hear them.

All of them have similar themes of hope, celebrations, love, sorrow and loss and what you find out along the way is that our stories have things in common. We all overcome obstacles, experience heartbreak and face losses in this life.

During my recent trip to Ireland I met John. John was playing the flute overlooking the Coumeenole beach in Dingle Co Ireland. His music was beautiful and in the perfect setting.

 I talked to him for a few minutes, bought a CD and asked his name. I thanked him for the beautiful music and asked if I could take a picture.

It was funny, the first picture was quick.

 The, he said let me hug you and take another.

Well the hug was a little too tight but it made me giggle and now John is a part of my Ireland vacation story and I play his CD often and remember the beautiful scenery along coastal Ireland.

Then a little further down the coast, I met Charlotte. Charlotte was a precious toddler. Her dad was the caretaker of the beehive huts which are dwellings dating back to the 12th century. We waved, she gave me a high five and told me bye. It was a brief interaction but she touched my heart. She was a beautiful little girl in a gorgeous setting along the Dingle Peninsula.

If we slow down and look around, we see stories everywhere. "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for which such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16.

Grace and Peace,
Misty