Evolving from an Optimist to a ‘Realistic Optimist’ and Several Prayer Requests

OK, I admit to being an optimist, and some would say I am overly optimistic. After what has happened to my beloved Chicago Cubs the last six weeks, I am committed to attempting to become a ‘realistic optimist.’

For those who are not baseball fans, let me give you the the recent background. It was not long ago that the Cubbies were in first place with a five-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers. In fact, the Cubs had one of the best records in all of baseball.

What has happened over the last six weeks has resulted in the Cubs moving from a 5-game lead to last week being behind the Brewers by 9 games!!! That is an amazing statistic since the Cubs didn’t play that badly during that time.

So the key question is, what happened? In short, the Milwaukee Brewers performed like nothing I’ve seen in the last 50 years. After winning 11 in a row (which is an amazing feat in itself), they lost only two games, and then went on to win 14 in a row (and all-time club record)! I guess that means they won 25 out of 27 games, something like a 92% win rate.

However, I am not giving up on the Cubbies. I had the opportunity last week to see three games in a row. (yes, that’s right, three games in a row at Wrigley Field). It was crazy how it happened. Some good college friends of mine from Lawrence University came in town for a visit with the intention of seeing last Monday night’s game. It got rained out, and we went to the postponed game on Tuesday afternoon.

When we realized there was also a game Tuesday night, we decided to stay at Wrigley and see the doubleheader. On top of that, I also had the opportunity to go the Cubs night on Wed night. Guess what? The cubbies won all three games against the Brewers!!

As a result, as of Sunday morning we are currently only six games behind the Brewers!

So the key question is…Can the Cubbies make a comeback for first place? Here’s where I want to be a ‘realistic optimist.’ Yes, it is statistically possible. However, there were only 32 games left. Not only do the Cubbies need to win a lot of these games, those devious Milwaukee Brewers are going to have to lose a lot of games.

Yes, I am focused on being a realistic optimist. However, let’s not forget it took the Cubbies 108 years from 1908 to 2016 to win the championship. So I tell myself, “Harry, it’s been only nine years. What’s the big hurry?”🤣

On a more serious note, as we all realize, there are many things to pray for. It’s a long list that includes what’s happening in the Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa.

Closer to home, I would appreciate prayers for three individuals:

The first is for Walter Savitts, one of my classmates from Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit, PA. Walter passed away last week. He was a wonderful fellow and a tremendous athlete who had a great sense of humor. Even though I was clearly the worst player on our baseball team, he always had time for me. I am sure he now has a special place in heaven, but I can’t help but feel a true sense of loss on this earth.

A classmate has been added to In Memory: Walter Savitts

The second prayer request is for a good friend who was recently diagnosed with ALS, and the third request is for a friend and former colleague who will be undergoing brain surgery in the next several weeks. Any and all prayers would be appreciated.🙏🙏🙏