Tuesday, June 24, 2003

Arizona Diamondbacks



"Oweghn, welcome to the world. Welcome to the world of baseball. I'm excited to start this journey with you and I hope it keeps us close, through good times and bad, that it always gives us something in common, something to share, as we grow older and as we grow apart. These memories I will cherish always."


I wipe a tear from my eye and think back to how it all began...


It didn't take long for us to start the journey. Little did I know but within a couple of months we would start notching the bedpost with not just one, but three ballparks... before Oweghn reached 6 months!


Parking and walking into the BOB (Bank One Ballpark) with Mommy. You strapped into the Baby Bjorn, completely unaware of where you were, only that you were cozy and warm and that you were on a rather bouncy ride (referring to Dad's level of activity, I still don't have a gut... yet).



Of course, it's not the BOB anymore, but it was a nice stadium. Home to the Arizona Diamonbacks as they welcomed the Cincinatti Reds. So there we were, with only photos and a ticket stub to remember the first game that started it all. Visiting Aunt Shelly and her family and allowing them to spend some time getting to know you, our first bundle of joy! I think I'm going to like this thing called "Daddy-hood." If I ever had to close my eyes and think of a happy place, I now have it.


Fast forward 5 years and I'm listening to Dan Patrick interview Tiger Woods and on asking Tiger what no one can understand until they become a parent, Tiger's response is "Pure Love."


So the first pitch has been thrown. But it was no ceremonial pitch, the game is underway. The first ballpark has felt our feet tread its halls. And I am happy.