A SPECIAL EVENING FOR A SPECIAL GUY

The day started as an overcast day in May, a day that began with a full staff meeting at 7:30AM. With all my co-workers assembled and the important meeting “stuff” out of the way, it was time for the drawing of two Red Sox tickets for that night’s game against the LA Angels. Amazingly enough, even in this weak economy, a generous co-worker donated two tickets she couldn’t use to bring a little happiness to one of us. To my surprise, I won the pair of tickets! My thoughts turned to who would I take tonight…hmm, how about the biggest Red Sox fan I know? Yes, Steven H. Steven lives with my wife Brenda and me, and while a huge fan, he has never been to a live Red Sox game. He watches every game on TV, narrates the play by play, and can tell you everything there is to know about every player. My wife and I had been talking about taking him to a game but with one thing and another had not bought tickets yet. Here was a golden opportunity!

 The look on Steven’s face when I asked him to go was just wonderful. The rest of the day at work was just a blur for him. Shortly before 5:00pm, two co-workers, Jenn and Kelly who were also going to the game, and Steven and I headed to Boston. Steven did not know what to say when we arrived at Fenway Park – he was overwhelmed   and thrilled. A smile could be seen on Steven’s face from the moment we arrived until the time we left the Park.

 One of Steven’s best moments came when Victor Martinez belted a two-run homer to right field – right where we were sitting. Seeing Steven there, cheering with the crowd, drinking his diet coke and eating a famous Fenway Frank was incredible. I am not sure which of us was happier. To most people, a frankfurter is just a snack you put mustard and relish on; for Steven, that Fenway Frank was a magical symbol of a dream come true. He can now say he is a true “Fenway Fan”.

 As the game ended (we won 11-6), Steven’s enthusiasm never waned. This night will be a memory that he cherishes for a lifetime. As he settled down to bed late last night, I heard him say “what a day for a ball game.” And the glow is still lasting since his first words this morning were, “That was excellent – the best time ever.”

About the Author: Stuart Conquest

Stuart has worked for the Vocational and Employment services for over 2 1/2 years in addition he has opened his home as a Shared Living Provider.  In his leisure time he enjoys spending time at his home on the Cape.