He Should’ve Put a Ring on It

Years ago, I asked, ‘The DJ’ to share a comment of mine which included Beyonce‘s ‘Single Ladies’ song to her ‘domestic partner’ who hadn’t put a ‘ring’ on hers yet. It was in jest, as by that point, ‘The Beerman’ too was a friend and I was merely egging them on.

I learned that she actually had told him about my comment that day and much more from the couple who has known one another since fourth grade as the three of us attended the ballgame between the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis, last night.

Midori, the onetime Disc Jockey, and Neil, the professional beer vendor once with the San Diego Padres and now for the Minnesota Vikings have recently moved back home to Minnesota after years of living the life in warm sunny California.

Midori and I became friends years ago after she commented on a YouTube video, which I had come across, about her second cousin and 1980 National League Rookie of the Year, Steve Howe whom I went to the same high school with. We clicked and not long after I became friends with her long-time beau as well.

Some twelve plus years later we still hadn’t met in person. That is until last night’s game.

Not quite sure what led me to Minneapolis for my ‘late’ Birthday Month trip this year but when my decision was made, I let them know and invited them to meet up at the game in their home state.

The Tigers sealed the deal early on in the third with a grand slam off the bat of catcher, Carson Kelly and went on to win the game 9-2. But I go for more than the game itself. Traveling helps heal me from life’s woes and this trip did exactly that.

It had been a little over a year since being diagnosed and seven months since treatment ended for cancer and this was a special trip, as follow-ups begin next week with all four of my doctors including cardiology.

Target Field has it all including a putt-putt area for the family and a Kent Hrbek named restaurant inside the facility for their famed first baseman.

Sitting in section 214 we were also equipped with our own food suite that came along with the ‘stadium’s organist’. This was priceless and credit Midori for this video.

Fireworks ended the evening and although I had to cut some, here are the vast majority.

I hadn’t realized how much fun this trip was until I began writing this. Having finally gotten to meet ‘real people’ I’ve met online is sheer joy. Especially when you have so much in common with them.

I’ve watched their two children from birth through, I believe the oldest in now in fifth grade and their youngest third, who today walked in a local parade with her softball team.

These are friendships that will last a lifetime with memories that are unforgettable. Especially this last one.

The family’s birthday gift for me…kind of a payback for the ‘single ladies’ tribute.

See any irony in it? Gemini, my astrological sign, and the hometown ‘Twins’.

I’d like to thank Midori, Neil and the kids, mom too for kid sitting, for a wonderful, unforgettable, super evening. You brought so much joy to this trip I’m forever grateful.

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