Ticking off the wishes

With help from our cousin Woody, as well as from Greg Feasel and Jim Kellogg of the Rockies management, we were able to tick one “wish” off Craig’s to do list.  Last Tuesday, we took Craig to a Rockies game. All decked out in our Rockies gear, we arrived at the ball park just in time to watch batting practice from the diamond just behind home plate. Wheeling Craig onto the field was beyond surreal.  From the field, one could get an understanding of the power needed to hit a home run. Impressive.  Had a virtual bus load of life-like giants not been on the field hitting balls (big and brawny just doesn’t describe), I might have stormed homeplate to do my best Cerrano impersonation from a Major League: “If you no help me now, I say ‘[Screw] you, Joboo.’ I do it myself…” Or better yet, a scene from Bull Durham. A tad risqué, perhaps. In any event, it would have looked a little strange reliving lame 1980s flicks -- not so cool -- and it was Craig’s day, after all. Though E and I did spend A LOT of time playing baseball out back -- high five to the poodles who were our quasi outfielders -- it didn’t seem appropriate to steal his thunder.

After a few minutes watching batting practice, we met up with Matt Holliday, an old classmate from high school, whom we haven’t seen in ten years (which he pointed out). Matt wrote Craig a get well letter a few months back, so it was nice to thank him in person. We chatted about an old All-State picture Erin found recently with all of the athletes from our year, including Matt; Erin and I were swimmers at the time. It’s interesting to consider where we’ve all ended up from our Stillwater upbringings, and how, for a moment, high school could be just a memory away.

After BP, we (Craig, the sisters, Emily and her mom) stayed to watch the Rockies trounce the Dodgers from our seats on the first base line. (We’re rootin’ for another World Series run). Craig lasted until the 7^th inning before he had to tap out and head home. We were impressed he lasted seven innings, especially given how long we had been out in the Colorado sun. Heading to the venue, he declared in a spirited voice, "I'm feeling really good right now." It seemed that feeling carried him through 4-5 hours. Nice memories.

Thanks to Woody, Greg Feasel, Jim Kellogg, and Matt Holliday for making Tuesday special. One wish ticked off; the second should “go down” tomorrow. We had discussed a benefit concert a few months back, but I only called Jason Ricci a week ago, after we learned Craig's tumors were on the move. I can’t believe it has come together so quickly. A big pre- thanks to Jason Ricci and the New Blood for ‘going the distance’ in supporting Craig; it means more than you know. And another pre-thanks to Dan King and the Boulder Outlook Hotel for putting this together – we’re overwhelmed by your generosity. And lastly, a big pre-thanks to all who will turn out tomorrow; your support allows Craig to live as normal a life as possible, from the comforts of his home. Though this is technically a surprise, I think it still counts as a wish – or at the very least, something special for Craig. We’re looking forward to tomorrow … -- J