It's Good to Feel Like a Kid

 On this particularly grim Friday after a long week of financial anxiety and the cascading effect that it has on almost everything else from how we feel about politics to our own security and future, I just want to talk about having fun.

Last night I got a special treat.  1 - My husband and I donated to a really worthy cause this summer - the Pan-Mass Challenge - and that felt really good since it was a way to proactively combat the disease that took my father and  2 - In return, the Red Sox donated special tickets to us which meant we got to take two friends and watch the start of the game from the infield, sit in the Green Monster for three innings, and then watch the rest of the game from really good seats. 

Having grown up in Boston, the legend of the Red Sox and Fenway looms really large so this was a once-in-a-lifetime event that just tickled us to death.  It made us all feel like we were six again and going to our first game. The toys are different - the boys had their fancy cameras - but the feeling was the same.  We got to spend time on the field before the game, three innings hanging around in the Green Monster peering through slats to watch the game...and at after all that the Red Sox won on a beautiful fall evening at Fenway. 

It was a great reminder of how to savor the moment, enjoy friends, and set aside the worries of the day.  We could all use a little more of that these days.

And I have to add a special note regarding the Red Sox community relations team.  Last night our host, Kate, was great and made sure we got the best experience possible. Earlier in the year we also had a problem with tickets and the Red Sox staff went out of their way to help us get the tickets we thought we had purchased through the website. It was an example of great customer relations in a situation where the Red Sox really don't *need* to spend the extra time and money to go out of their way.  And that is a community relations lesson we should all take to heart.

Comments

[Ted McEnroe]

To be clear, while the Pan Mass Challenge is a wonderful event, this was a truly awful evening. If something similar ever comes up in an auction we're at - you should probably just take the money you'd bid on the Monster visit and write a check directly to the PMC instead.

You know - I mean, because Rachel and I have already gone, and know how horrible it is. So, we'll bid on the package and suffer through it again. You can simply give your money directly, and stay safe and warm at home, without getting the infield dirt on your shoes or having to watch the game through those tiny slits in the wall.

We'd do all that for each and every one of you, because, hey, we're givers. :-)

[Mukund Mohan]

That's so cool. Glad you can really smell the roses. :)

[Rachel Happe]

Yes, I'm a giver...don't bother voting on this next year. Ted and I are happy to take on the burden again...if we *have* to :)

Thanks for stopping by Mukund!

[Doug Haslam]

Rachel,

Glad you had such a good experience-- the old regime on Yawkey way was a lot different, I have been told.

And thanks for contributing to the Pan Mass Challenge! I participated as a rider and fundraiser this summer (as anyone who had the misfortune to read my blog knows), and it was a wonderful experience.

[Frank]

HI Rachel,

As noted by Doug, the old regime on Yawkey way really didn't care bout their fan base, but at least the tix were affordable

Your contribution the Pan Mass Challenge is to be congratulated. I no longer ride my bike (long story) but am impressed by your spirit of giving.

F

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