Last fall, when the Bears faced off against the Eagles, my partner and I made the decision to let our eldest son, Leo, take a day off school to attend the game. While they cheered for their team and celebrated a victory, I stayed behind, listening to the broadcast on my old-school AM radio and tearing up with joy, knowing that this father-son moment was something special.
Fast forward to last weekend, when we all gathered to watch the Bears clinch their first playoff victory at home since 1985. I couldn’t help but tear up again, but this time it wasn’t just about the win. It was about the pure happiness radiating from my partner, who was living out a dream he had held onto for so long, surrounded by the ones he loves the most.
On Wednesday, my partner and his best friend, Matt, hit the road for Cleveland to witness the Bears play in Game 7 of the championship series—arguably one of the most exhilarating games in baseball history. I was a bundle of nerves, feeling that familiar mix of anxiety and excitement. Sure, I worried about whether the Bears could finally break their long-standing losing streak, but the thought of my partner sharing this pivotal moment with his best friend—another die-hard fan—filled me with overwhelming happiness.
While they cheered in the stands, I watched from home with Leo and our younger son, Noah. We yelled, we cried, and we sprinted around the living room every time the Bears scored. When Noah dozed off on the couch, Leo and I took turns comforting each other, reminding ourselves that everything would be okay. As the tension mounted in the eighth inning, I rubbed his back and whispered reassurances, while he confidently said, “We got this.” When the final out was made in the bottom of the 10th, Leo and I erupted in joy, hugging and bouncing around as if we’d just won the lottery.
Some folks might dismiss it as “just a game,” and while that may hold a grain of truth, there’s no “just” about it at all. It transcends baseball; it’s about the bonds we forge, the memories we create, and the shared moments that linger long after the final whistle. It’s not merely about winning or losing (though winning does feel pretty darn good, especially when you’ve waited your whole life for it). It’s about uniting with others who share that same fervent hope that things will ultimately turn out alright.
I grew up listening to baseball games on my grandma’s crackly AM radio, and even after all these years of hearing our local announcer call the action, I can’t help but remember her love for the game every time I turn it on. There’s a poetic magic in baseball—not just in the home runs or strikeouts, but in the memories created during those thrilling moments. Just like I will always cherish those afternoons with my grandma, my boys will remember walking into the stadium on cool autumn nights, talking strategy with their dad, or hearing me let out a frustrated sigh during a tense game.
No matter which team you root for or how the game ends, what matters is the memories forged and the connections strengthened through shared experiences.
As a fan by marriage, I can’t claim to be a lifelong supporter of the Bears, but my heart is invested in their journey because I love someone who has been cheering for them forever. Being part of this fanbase—especially during moments like these—is about so much more than just wanting a victory. It’s about holding onto hope, embracing humility after years of ups and downs, and finding joy in waiting for that long-awaited moment to finally arrive. It’s about building relationships that stand the test of time and crafting memories that last beyond the scoreboard.
While 2016 has been a wild ride filled with challenges, on that magical Wednesday night, everything else faded into the background because the Bears had won. It reminded me that dreams can come true, no matter how long it takes. It’s proof that despite the chaos, life can be beautiful, especially when you’re surrounded by loved ones, creating cherished memories together.
And there’s certainly no “just” about that.
For more insights on home insemination and related topics, check out this excellent resource. If you’re interested in the process, here’s another great blog post to keep you engaged. And for those looking to take the plunge into parenthood, you might want to explore this authority on the subject for more information.
Summary
The joy of sports transcends mere competition; it’s about the cherished memories and bonds formed through shared experiences. Whether celebrating victories or enduring losses, the relationships built and moments created with loved ones are what truly matter. The magic of the game lies in these connections, and that’s what makes it far more than “just” a game.