An almost perfect day!

I say "almost," not because there was anything inherently bad about it, just that I want to leave some room for an "absolutely" perfect day.

My son and I got to share probably my best live sporting event ever. I went to a playoff game in the 70s, but they lost. So this is, for now, the top of the mountain.

I know I probably got better views of things at home Thursday night, but I was screaming all by myself. Being in the stadium with 45,000 other fans is a completely different experience. I have never been around such sound - it actually made me feel like my heart was obeying the rhythm of the crowd's chant of "Beat L.A.! Beat L.A.!" As my son says with much more detail and eloquence in his blog, it sounded like a jet engine about three miles south at PHL. And, after Lidge got Nomar to swing and miss, I felt the anxiety drain out of me and I was left with a feeling of exhaustion and well-being.

Saturday I cut out every single photo and article and headline concerning the first two games and today I went into school and constructed my shrine to the Fightin's outside my classroom door. I know I have a lot of kids who are fans, so I'm hoping it will keep up the momentum.

Part of me says, cautiously, "They've already done so much more than last year, so this is gravy." But the greater part is saying, "No, this is not enough!"

By this time next month, both league champions and the World Series champs will be decided, as will a slightly more important competition. I would truly love a parade down Broad Street; I won't lie. When the Phillies won it all in 1980, I was preoccupied with an almost-one-year-old (the aforementioned son), and, while I thoroughly enjoyed it, I was probably not as stoked about it then as I am now. I loved Schmidt, Bowa, Boone, and Luzinksi, and, especially, Garry Maddox. They were all older than I was and kind of heroes. Now I love Pat Burrell, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, and even the seemingly unencumbered-by-the-thought-process Brett Myers, but they are the age of my kids and I revel in their accomplishments as would a proud parent.

Whatever happens, it will all be decided by Mischief Night at the latest. Less than a week later, we elect a new President. It's no secret which candidate I support - I respect John McCain's service to the country, but we need a completely clean slate. Things are pretty bleak right now, and it will take the effort of every citizen and leader to help undo the mess that was created by people of both parties, but mostly out of greed. For the first time in my life, I'll be voting for a candidate younger than myself. That's an interesting milestone - makes me feel a little old, but I trust this man to find the smartest people in America to help him lead us.

My next grandchild is due on Inauguration Day - January 20, 2009. I fervently pray that he or she comes into this world healthy, above all, but beyond that, into a world of optimism, where we can dare to hope for the best.

Including a World Series championship in Philadelphia.