My daughter-in-law is on her way to St Louis to hang out with some of the Cardinal players before the game tonight.
But I'm not too happy about that.
See, Maria just recently became a nurse, and is mainly involved in in-home assistance to kids who have serious medical problems. One of those kids is Adam Carter. He's 12 years old, and has cancer. I'm still not sure who initiated it, but Adam had his "wish" submitted to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. What he wanted was to go to a Cardinals game and meet some of the players. I'm pretty sure he has his favorites, but since I'm not 100% sure I won't announce that here.
Don't know if any of you guys know anything about baseball in general, or the Cardinals in particular. But one of their current TV announcers is Al Hrabosky, used to go by the name "The Mad Hungarian" when he was a pitcher, because of his long Fu Manchu and the way he paced around on the mound and glared at the batter. During Monday's game he gave a shout-out to Adam, saying he was looking forward to seeing him on Wednesday (today). He also told Adam not to pay attention to anyone who might have told him that Hrabosky was "scary", since that's all just a ploy (besides, the Fu Manchu is long gone).
Al's broadcast partner is Dan McLaughlin, who said this...
"... and he was going to visit us on Wednesday. We hope he still will, but Adam is watching today and we hope you're feeling better, and we hope to see you if not on Wednesday then maybe over the weekend or the next homestand."
Actually I think Adam's visit wasn't supposed to take place till later this year. But they had to move the date up. That's because his prognosis has worsened recently. Most kids who have their "wish" granted through the Make-a-Wish Foundation are still in relatively good health at the time (considering that most of the illnesses are terminal). But apparently Adam has had some recent setbacks. So he's on his way there now, and I'm just hoping he's strong enough to enjoy himself as much as possible under the circumstances. I've never met the kid, but Maria has talked a lot about him.
I didn't know anything about the St Louis trip till a couple days ago. My son called and told me Maria was going with one of her kids to a Cardinals game, and was gonna meet some of the players. Now I'm a lifelong (since the late 60s) Cards fan, and so my first words were, "Wow, that's cool!" But that was before he told me the details... which of course took all the "cool" out of it. Still, though, Adam's Mom actually told Maria to bring anything she wanted in the way of "souvenirs" to get autographed, etc. Of course having collected stuff for decades, I could have given her a ton of stuff, but that just didn't feel right. So all she's got of mine are a few photos of players. She's gonna try to get Yadi Molina to sign one for my Mom, who's in her early 80s. Still can't figure out why, but she just LOVES her some Yadi. The rest of the pictures are just ones I thought Adam would like, and told her to give them to him after they're signed.
Once I hear the details after they get back, I'll let you guys know exactly what went on, who Adam got to meet, etc. One thing I can guarantee is that Albert Pujols will make the kid feel like a king. If you don't know about Albert, he's pretty much Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams level talent-wise. The best player I've seen in my life (and that includes the likes of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente). But much more importantly than that is he's a great PERSON. The guy is unbelievable around kids. In fact he's got a foundation he started to help kids with Down Syndrome. In past years when he's gotten worn down a little toward the end of the season, it not because of what he does ON the field... rather what he's done OFF the field. I truly think he cares more about helping kids than he does playing baseball. So I have a feeling that even if Adam isn't feeling too well when he first gets there, he'll brighten up once he sees Albert.
Anyway, that's why Maria is on her way to St Louis. Adam and his family could have chosen any health-care provider to go with them, but they chose Maria. She's only been a nurse for a couple years, she's only in her mid-20s, but that doesn't matter. Every kid she's been involved with loves her. I'm not too thrilled that she's in such a high-stress career, and of course it has an impact on my son too. But this is what she wants to do, and I'm really proud of her for doing it.
Oh, can't forget this. I haven't said much about the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Here's their "mission statement":
Our Mission
We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 174,000 children around the world.
Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission.
A network of nearly 25,000 volunteers enable the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.
As the Foundation continues to mature, its mission will remain steadfast. Wish children of the past, present and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish®.
If anyone wants to help out, and make it possible for more kids like Adam to have a wish come true, you might consider donating to, or volunteering for these guys.
Make-a-Wish Foundation
Oops... totally forgot about the game. It's this evening at 7:00 Central (pre-game at 6:30). I'm sure at some point they'll have Adam in the booth with Dan and Al (maybe Mike Shannon too, if you're listening on radio). What channel it's on, if at all, depends on what area of the country you're in and what cable/satellite provider you have.