6-8-13
Today is mom’s birthday! I got her a gift card to Lowes, and an E-cigarette. What a son!!!
I am headed to Chicago for game 5 of the Blackhawks playoffs. Yes sir! My great friend Dennis came thru with a ticket for me, and because of my beautiful wife…I am now sitting in the 200 level for what could be the game that gets them to the cup. Wow!
I’m a life-long Hawk fan. Because Pat Foley (Hawks announcer) says so….
This is when I broke my arm on the ice when I was about 12….
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6tj3kK9ocg]
I sat next to a giant lady on the connection flight to Charlotte. I had the aisle, and our butts touched the entire time. “Please don’t sit here, please don’t sit here, please don’t…..damn it!!”
Across the aisle, there is a dad sitting with his 11-month year old son in his lap. Really smiley!! They just came from Disney.
Of course, this gets me thinking…
I think some sad thoughts about Amanda raising a baby alone. I wonder if I’ll even make it to the time when our child is 11 months and smiley with a mouth full of teeth!!! I made myself sad for a moment, but just closed my eyes and forced myself out of that place. Breathe slowly, think about myself, imagine the cancer leaving my body…and I’m all good!
Buddha stuff!!
What an amazing weekend; made possible by so many people. Starting with Amanda and Dennis, they really left me with no choice but to get to Chicago quickly, and go to Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Dennis works at Soldier Field. I’ll admit some jealousy when you see some of the events he goes to. He can get tickets to ANYTHING. He arranged for him, Chuck, Mike, and I to go to the game. 200 level, where you get the luxury of a waiter at your seat! And all the Pope boys were sitting in the nose-bleeds…sorry fellas.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/CUSLmNjmj6E]
Frank – DEA?
The pictures and video speak for itself. What an amazing memory to have. The 4 of us rallied the people sitting around us. We had our positive juju flowing, and little superstitions. The lady in front of us kept putting on a leather coat that was quite obviously bad luck. I’m pretty sure it ended up on the ice after the game!
It was rejuvenating to see old friends. The best part was to have 1-on-1 conversations with everyone. I never know what some people might be thinking. Maybe they figure I don’t want to talk about my health. Maybe they are uncomfortable talking about it. The truth is, SOMETIMES I need to talk about it. I value those talks. I got to spend time with Quigley. Len and I sat at the end of a bar for about an hour together. Nicky was clearly shaken up and kicked a wall in disgust! (Gotta love Nicky).
I got to meet Dennis’ niece, Ava. What a BEAUTY!
And a great chance to see Dennis’ family and meet Farrah.
(I’ll be back in a second…quick break…)
Okay….
What a great 2-day trip for me. It was completely selfish, but completely worth it. Thanks to everyone who came out. I saw the Gudella boys, Landini, and ran into a few people on the streets too. I stopped by Quincy and Jessica’s to meet their kids for the first time. Never seen Q playing DAD before!
Thanks to Mike and Dennis for putting me up for 2 nights!
And thanks to Pat for putting in my bet for the Belmont Race – Oh yea….the #12 WON! And about 5 minutes before we left for the game too…. Just a small cherry on top! I think it’s obvious Dad was channeling this trip from afar….
I bought something for Blueberry too…
I'm so glad the Hawks won it just for you!You two continue to amaze me with your love and strength.I can't wait to hang out with you two and your kid. Because you WILL and you will be an amazing dad!!!And keep writing!