My Happy Place
It's my first Cubs game of the season. Of course I'm taking the “L”.
The minute I enter Wrigley, my mind is flooded with memories of my dad. He was a huge Cubs fan. Our family had season tickets and we went all the time. My mom would pack a big cooler with chicken, drinks, chips, desserts and more. After the seventh inning stretch my dad would buy me a pretzel.
As I first enter the ballpark, I take in the smells and sounds. Walking up the ramps, there is electricity in the air. I approach the entrance to my section and slowly the bright green grass of the outfield comes into view. It's like the scene in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy opens the door after her house lands, and the world changes from grayish tones to technicolor. Beer vendors shout, and the crack of a bat hitting a ball during batting practice reverberates. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
So much has changed over the years, but at Wrigley, so much remains the same.
I’m now in my seat surrounded by family. Oh, did I mention that my husband, sister-in-law, and brother were with me too?
I'm lucky to have the tickets. In 2015, a client asked me if I knew anyone who would want to join a group for Cubs tickets. Without hesitating I said ME!
My timing was right. That year the Cubs finished with the third-best record in baseball, and beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the Divisional Series. I was at the game they clinched! Who could forget homers by Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez!
My dad passed away in 1997, but you can believe he was with me, cheering for every hit and out. Getting my pretzel after the seventh inning stretch. The crowd wouldn't stop singing Go, Cubs Go. As I sang with the crowd, tears rolled down my face. My dad passed on the love of the Cubs to me. I take my girls as often as I can.
The next season we celebrated as the Cubs won the World Series. Even my husband, who is still an Indians fan (ok, "Guardians" fan).
Wrigley will always be my happy place. A place to slow down, have a beer and pretzel and watch a game with family and friends. Most of all, taking time from my busy days to think about my dad.
What is your happy place? Have you been there lately? If not, what are you waiting for?
Shari Greco Reiches
Shari Greco Reiches is Co-Founder, Principal and Chief Growth Officer of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. She is the architect of the firm's Maximize Your Return on Life Solution, which aligns clients' financial planning with their Core Values. She is a frequent speaker on financial planning and values, author of Maximize Your Return on Life - Invest Your Time and Money in What You Value Most and enjoys mentoring women in the wealth management profession. Please connect with Shari below. She loves to talk about investing, financial planning, and Barry Manilow.