The Mattacola Law Firm Blog

Birthday Thoughts

Posted in Life ::: October 28, 2008 5:58 PM

I just ushered in my birthday and am sore, soaking wet, freezing and stuck in a traffic jam.  Normally, when the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. on my birthday, I am fast asleep. After all, I have two young children, a fairly demanding job and like to be up early to run.  Yet, on this one, I am awake.  Why sore? A day ago, I ran the Cape Cod Marathon and let me dispel this myth - Cape Cod, especially Falmouth, is not flat! Why wet, freezing and in traffic? I was just at Game 5 of the World Series to see my beloved Phillies against the Tampa Bay Rays. And as you know by now (or not if you could care less about baseball), the game was suspended in the sixth inning due to some pretty awful weather. So, on a night that held the promise of me seeing the Phillies win it all, I have the beginnings of pneumonia and the game will be picked up and completed - tomorrow?  The next day? Only Mother Nature knows. And I may not be able to get back to Philly for the conclusion.  Yet, I don’t regret it.  With all the negatives associated with professional sports these days, and there are many, there is still something romantic about remaining faithful to your team for 30 years, despite much heartache and frustration.  And it is truly special to pass that on to your children. I began following the Phillies because at the time, Mike Schmidt was the greatest third baseman in the game (and, I would argue, ever) and my father was a fan.  Now, two generations later, my boys are hooked as well - they know Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins - it’s fantastic.  They are learning what the game is about, watching a team strive for a goal and achieve against the odds - all great lessons.  And in my case, after many, many years of hoping that the Phillies see a better tomorrow, that better tomorrow might really be tomorrow.  I just with it had been tonight!

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