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My Precious - Take Me To The Ball Game

Posted by
{H} creatives (San Francisco Bay Area, United States) on 16 June 2008 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.

My Dear Friends of the Inspiration Circle,


It was Father's Day yesterday (June 15) here in the United States. For those of you who celebrated, I wanted to extend a sincere Father's Day wish to you.


Several weeks ago, Keshia and I had the privilege to do an American tradition, we went to the ball game. Baseball game, that is. Just 2 weeks ago, we had a chance to repeat it again. So this was my second time this year going to the Oakland Coliseum (now known as the McAfee stadium), the home of the Oakland Athletics, otherwise known as the Oakland A's. Now, I have never been a fan of baseball per se - quite possibly because I was never good at hitting a 9"-circumference ball going more that 60+ mph at me with a piece of round solid wood that is 1/3 the circumference of the ball at the thickest part. (I decided Tennis was a better sport for me, especially in increasing my chances of hitting the ball). That aside, I realized that going to a baseball game is becoming one of my favorite pass times. You see, it's not necessarily the game for me, as I am not an Oakland A's fanatic, but I do love the comradery...the sense of team support...the whole atmosphere from the fans was just uplifting. And for my daughter to be there and experience it with me also was just such an awesome experience.


Families get all dressed up with the favorite "A's" shirt (notice Keshia is also wearing hers - a gift from Uncle Duy) and "hung out" - children, parents, friends, neighbors. There was definitely a sense of belonging - and when a home run hits...well, let's just say that even my 4 1/2 year-old was shouting at the top of her lungs, "Let's go Oakland!"...clap...clap...clap! There was such a sense of community there that even strangers sitting next to each other ended up knowing each other on a first name basis. (Side note: That's Gaby in the background, who came to the ball game with Matt. Both students of Loyola Marymount University).


The best part of the game was the "fireworks" afterward. Yup, it was "Fireworks Night at the Coliseum." Keshia and I got to go down to the "grass field", lay down on the grass, and look up to the sky to watch one of the most spectacular fireworks show ever! Imagine that...B-)


So it amazed me, this experience. How people connected with one another by a common attachment to supporting a team, a goal, a cause, a common interest, not at all unlike what we have here at the AM3 community. There were people of all ages, religious background, nationalities....and yet during the duration of that game, none of that matters. We were all there to enjoy the game and support the Oakland A's. And a thought came to mind: Wouldn't it be great if the world was united under one cause, and everyone would cheer for that one cause that unite us all. No wars, no bickering, just cheering in jubilation and joy. No hatred, no envy, no jealousy, no pointing fingers...no "me", just "us."


Maybe I am a dreamer, just as my daughter is. B-) She may have gotten her wish to have wings of a fairy, and it somewhat came true even if only for a day during her recital. I just wish that this dream of a united humanity will someday come true as well, even if it is only for a day.


Here's wishing you, my AM3 Friends, a place of jubilation and joy in your lives, a place of unity and harmony, a place where you will find that dream of yours to come true.


Cheers'nBlessings,
{H}

p.s. Alas, the Oakland A's lost that night. But no matter, it was an amazing experience nonetheless. What a privilege and joy it is to be a daddy! Keshia and I had a blast! B-)
p.s.s. Photograph was taken using the good 'ol stretch-out-arm-and-use-as-a-tripod maneuver.