Sunday, September 14, 2008

Calling All Angels

I need a sign to let me know you're here
All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere
I need to know that things are gonna look up
'Cause I see us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup

When there is no safe place and no safe place to put my head
When you feel the world shake from the words that are said

And I'm calling all angels
I'm calling all you angels

-Angels Baseball theme song by Train
The Four Angels Momma baseball team happens to be The Anaheim Angels.  If you have ever seen the 1994 movie, Angels in the Outfield, then you are already familiar with a wonderful story of hope and faith.  I like that our local team was the inspiration for such a wonderful movie.  I love that our team is called The Angels!(Even though Mark is also a huge Mets fan and that AD1 used to sleep with a stuffed pillow we called Mr. Met.)  Mark has taken our Angels to a countless number of games.  Angel Daughter Number Two is in the process of auditioning for a position in which she would represent the team with her incredible spirit.  Although I don't attend as many games with my family as I would like to be able to, I do enjoy the spirit and the camaraderie that having a "family" team initiates.  I love listening to Mark and the girls talk about the team and who their favorite players are.  I love the bonding that naturally occurs as they cheer for their team.  My husband is, and always has been, an absolute jock, so it is nice knowing that he has daughters who understand that love.

Several months ago, Mark and I attended a fundraiser for our synagogue.  As part of the live auction, someone donated their box for an Angel's game.  Knowing how much Mark and our Angels love going to the games, my paddle(the one that is raised to bid on something) somehow got very involved in the bidding.  By the end of the auction, we were the proud owners of twelve tickets in a private box.  It was an absolute win-win situation!  We were able to support our temple, while also supporting our home team!  I love it when that happens.  
Here I am, standing in the very best spot in the whole world.(which could be anywhere, as far as I'm concerned!)  Surrounded by my Angels.  As they get older and become more involved in their own lives, these moments sometimes become too few and far between.  When I am with my family, everything feels right with the world.
Their love for one another becomes more and more apparent, the older they become.  Watching them together, as a group, reminds me that Mark and I have done what we came here to do.  We have created a loving family and although life is not without some very rough spots, we can get through it if we stick together.
One of my freshman angels!  I have two right now, as AD2 is a college freshman and AD4 is a High School freshman.  I miss my college girls so much when they are at school.
In the back row, a couple of AD3's Angel friends sit next to her.  Next to AD3 is "T", AD1's sweet Angel roommate(our daughter, when she is away from her parents who live in Oregon),and AD 1 and her lovely boyfriend, The Cheesmiester.

In the front row is AD2's adorable, funny roommate, AD2 and then AD4's beautiful Angel friend and AD4.  I love that AD2's roommate felt comfortable enough with us to ham it up in front of the camera!  She fits right in with our silly family.

You can see my love sitting up there in the background, focusing on the game.
I drive them a bit crazy with the camera, but they have learned that if they just grin and bear it(Get it?  Grin and bear it...tee-hee.), then I will go away faster.
AD1 and The Cheesemeister.  They are too cute.(We missed you, Joshua.)
AD4 and her Angel friend.

AD3 displaying her team spirit!
And what made the night even better was that the Angels rallied and beat the Rangers 7-5!  It was an awesome game.
Did I mention how much I love my Angels and their wonderful Angel friends?  It makes me happy to see them so happy.(T, things will get easier, I promise, dear one.  Please be gentle with yourself.)

May you find moments to enjoy and fully enjoy the moments when you find them.  May your own angels surround you.  May you feel their embrace.  May you listen to their whispers whether they come from an earthly angel or on the barely noticed feathery wisps of a passing breeze.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know just how you feel, Deb. It feels so very "right" to be surrounded by our precious family. Even as these moments change as our children grow, we will always have a new version of our families emerging and growing too. We are so blessed! Your post was as beautiful as your Angels!

joanne said...

Looks like you had a beautiful day...in more ways than I can count. There is nothing better than being surrounded by those we love, no matter where we are, You and Mark have certainly done your job well and I hope and pray that I have done mine. My family or origin is so fractured and it would truly break my heart if my own family ended up that way. You always make me smile and remember to savor each and every moment. Thank you Deb...

Acutescrubnurse said...

Debra,
I came across your site from JoJo's. I had to write and comment on you Angels pics. The pics of your Angel girls are gorgeous!! The Angels Stadium is awesome!! My son and I are huge Angel fans, and have been for quite some time. We have seen them play in Minnesota, we live in North Dakota. We actually met Darin Erstad after they won the World Series in 2002. I have the sweetest pi cof my son with his Erstad shirt on....when I find it, I will send it to you. It's priceless!!
Thanks for making my day with your Angels!!
Take care of yourself,
Rita

Ness said...

Deb, I needed this post this morning before heading back to the hospital. Calling all angels indeed! Thanks for your prayers and thoughts for my angel. One day I will meet you and be able to give you a gentle hug. You are simply the best.

Jennifer Chronicles (jenx67.com) said...

I love bidding at fundraising auctions. Your daughters are just so incredibly gorgeous. You must be so proud -- and protective!

Irene Latham said...

Deb - how appropriate... Team Angels for an Angel Momma and her Angel Daughters. Love the pics! xxoo

Bogart said...

Very few things are better than friends and family at a baseball game!

Lynn said...

Looks like you had a great day. Even though I'm not a sports person at all, I can see how it would be a great family pastime!
-Lynn

Lorrie Veasey said...

It always seems like you are so very present and happy in whatever moment you share with us. I love this post.....................but I'm still a Phillies fan :)

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Popping in for a big hug to the BF ever! Hope you are enjoying a beautiful day!

xoxo

Anonymous said...

I think I found your site while I was on www.theinspiredroom.net. I can sooo relate to you and your four angels. My kids are 16-21, two boys and two girls. Only my youngest is still at home, and I really miss having all my "angels" around me every day.

We are Angels fans too. I grew up in Anaheim, near Pearson Park, and my grandparents had season tickets. We are huge baseball fans. Both of my boys are pitchers for their college baseball teams, and my husband runs our baseball academy in Oregon. We moved up here almost 18 years ago, and one of the only things we miss is having a major league team to cheer for. (OK, we used to cheer for the Mariners, but those were better days for them.) We have always rooted for the Angels. I just wish they'd get rid of the LA in the new name.

I've enjoyed getting to know you and your angels. You've inspired me to get busy with my own blog again. Have a wonderful week.

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