The Best Day Yet!

Friday we awoke and headed for Cooperstown, New York. Of all our destinations, this is the one I looked forward to all week long. You see, Cooperstown is the home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the historic tribute to the greatest game on earth and as much a part of American History as any historic person or event in America. Heather figured we would spend a couple of hours and head out, but I knew better! Cooperstown is a quaint little town in upstate New York with cute little homes and with every shop centered around baseball memorabilia and souvenirs. The Hall was AWESOME…with exhibits dedicated to the most prestigious players and moments in all of baseball history, from Abner Doubleday (given credit for inventing baseball) to The Babe (no additional info necessary), to Jackie Robinson (who was the first black player in the major leagues) to Charlie Hustle (Pete Rose), Nolan Ryan (who holds more records than any pitcher in history), to Curt Schilling’s bloody sock from last years World Series run. There were World Series pins, programs and rings from each World Series. There was an exhibit for baseball art and baseball movies and a separate exhibit dedicated to the stadium. And finally, the Hall itself, with plaques for each member elected since the initial class in 1936. Behind the Hall a bit was Doubleday Field, host to the annual Hall of Fame game, and where you could watch a baseball game every day of every summer for free. On the way out of town, there is a complex which hosts an 80-team tournament each weekend, so that all children of America can realize the dream of playing in the town where baseball was invented.

Wow! After rushing through the 3-story hall in 4 hours or so, we began our journey home, with only one more stop planned in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As we came closer to Binghamton, New York, I reminded my family that my Father was born in Binghamton and my Mother was born in Syracuse just up the road. I knew that my uncle Sid lived on the old home place for years and we wondered if maybe he still did. After a conversation with my sister, we called my uncle, who I have met only once, at Dad’s funeral, and found that he happened to be home. We made arrangements to stop by for a family “get to know you” visit. Sid and Carol are selling the home place to their son, Tom, and his wife and 2 girls, and they live with Tom in the summer, spending their winters in Florida. We visited for hours, reminiscing about Mom and Dad, grandpa and grandma, and our families until we knew we had to leave, at about 12:30 am. Everyone was delighted that we made the impromptu stop. It was great to know that I have family clear across the country and that I am welcomed at any time. What a fantastic surprise and a wonderful end to a fabulous day!

Throughout my life, I have found that I have Christian family all around the globe. Everywhere we go, we meet Christians who treat us like life long friends. From Hawaii, to Florida, to California, to South Dakota and Canada. On Day 2 of our trip, we stopped at the Midwest Church of Christ in Louisville, KY, an all black congregation, and were treated with the friendliness and hospitality of close relatives. It is good to know that we are all connected by the same family tree, with God as the head.

As you travel from state to state, town to town, or house to house, I encourage you to stop by your brother and/or sister’s place for an impromptu visit. You might find out some things about them you didn’t know. You might learn of struggles they keep hidden or ways you can help that you would have never imagined. If nothing else, you may just be encouraged by their love and warmth.

Make every day a family reunion. And don’t forget to invite your Brother, Jesus, to come along.