Dear Reader: It's been a month and 4 days since my last confession.
I confess I am a grandfather. To the right you will see Harper. Harper is a little over a month old. It was during my last confession on the October 14 that we started our watch for Harper but she would not arrive until the next day. Related to Harper I confess the following:
- I confess I am grateful that mother and granddaughter are doing well.
- I confess I am releaved that Harper has hair - and lots of it.
- I confess that I have read poems to Harper but don't tell her mother.
- I confess she resembles both her mother and father.
- I confess I can't decide what is cutest - eyes, mouth, nose or fingers.
- I confess being a grandfather has not made me feel older (I already felt ancient)
Along with the arrival of Harper October brought the final month of baseball for the year. I have the unique position of living in Kansas City but being a San Francisco Giants fan for many years. There are some people who actually thought my geographical location would win out and I'd root for the Royals. Some in my family hinted that I might consider this though I'm unsure if any truly expected me to be for them. One daughter said one night she was torn, could we be for both. My reply was a swift no! Not since the Civil War has a family been so divided.
At work on days everyone was going Blue I went Orange. There were people at work that definitely believe I had some sort of obligation to change my allegiance though anyone who knew me knew I was a very avid Giants fan.
I confess that there were strengths that the Royals possessed that I felt could make for a tough series. I felt the Giants had the advantage in pitching. I felt the Royals were equal or better in defense. The Royals definitely had speed on bases and it was there I was most worried. I felt offensively they were a mixture - Royals more power - Giants greater patience at the plate and likely better batting average.
That it would go 7 games did not surprise me. I thought it might be decided in 6 but never saw it as a 4 game sweep by either team.
I confess that the entire post season drama was quite a ride. Yes, I allowed it to cut into my writing time. Am I proud of that, no. Would I do it again? under the circumstances, most definitely.
My normal winter wear is a 2010 Giants World Series jacket. I've actually worn Giants coats in winter for over two decades so this is nothing new. But in all those years I was just a Kansas City guy wearing another team jacket that local people associated with nothing in particular. Occasionally people would ask me if I was from the bay area. I'd tell them no, but I love it out there and if I could afford it, I'd make my home there.
Last night I stopped at the grocery store one the way home from work to do some shopping. As I was getting in line a gentleman and his wife came up to me. The man stuck the palm out in front of me and said, "I want to shake your hand, you have to be one tough dude the wear that coat in this town. That takes a lot of courage." I shook his hand and smiled - never thought of it as courage, just pride.
Amen.
