I recently came across a quote from an author I was not familiar with. The quote caught my attention in how the words seemed to lend a slightly different perspective to a familiar view. I made an effort to learn a little about the author before I spent much time pondering the quote further. The individual, Tamerlan A Kuzgov is a 32 year old Russian author of martial arts books. The quote I came across stated, “Following someone’s dream helps us to fulfill our dreams.”
Most all of us have dreams. Most all of us spend various stages of life pursuing those dreams. I find myself often focused on what steps I need to consider towards that “dream”. These days most all my dreams are listed on the proverbial bucket-list, for which many are dreams that go back to childhood even. But this quote caused me to realize how the dreams of other’s may be the very “ticket” to deliver us to our dreams as well.
Our daughter Kara has a dream to be as good a pediatric neurologist as she can become. Her dream led her here to Boston and her residency program at Boston Children’s Hospital. And through her dream, I find myself passing through the gates here at Fenway Park for a 3rd time, and this time to check off that dream of seeing the Red Sox and Yankees playing baseball here in Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. What a rivalry these two teams have maintained between their perspective cities.
To be there last Friday night, to take part in that rivalry as a baseball fan, in Fenway Park, caused me to recall so many names. Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Luis Tiant, Thurman Munson, Carlton Fisk, Bucky Dent, and of course Bill Buckner’s error that solidified the “Curse of the Bambino”. (And Johnny Pesky whose name is attached to the right field foul pole I was seated near … Pesky’s Pole) There are many rivals in the game of baseball, but personally I don’t think any of them compare to this one; even for a southern boy who grew up and still is an Atlanta Braves fan. This is the kind of rivalry and rich history that I believe makes baseball the American Pastime.
I had the opportunity to speak with several fans, both Yankee and Red Sox. It reminded me how it is possible for people to have fun, as well as respect towards one another, even through our differences. Almost as if the “difference” is the very thing that draws us together. During the game the Red Sox pitcher, Tanner Houck, was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka. It felt as if the stadium itself winced, as fans and players collective responded in actions of empathy.
The game turned out not to be so “close” as the Red Sox won this encounter 15 – 5; however, I noted that as discussions continued during and after the game, many expressed a greater desire to have seen a more competitive match. Almost as if we were all expressing there’s an excitement in the struggle that’s as enjoyable as the joy of the victory. But this night was about a bucket list item being fulfilled, not an examination of the human spirit.
Hot dogs, pretzels, peanuts, foul balls, and judgments of the umpires on the field. Yes, my bucket list item was checked before the game began. I’ve penned another bucket list item for a return to Fenway Park…. What team shall I see next enter this shrine of the American Pastime? What other dreams may I pursue, while our daughter pursues her dream, here in Beantown? And for sure….. another course of…… Sweet Caroline!