From Webster's College Dictionary: "February 2,

the day on which, according to folklore, the groundhog emerges from hibernation: if it sees its shadow, six more weeks of wintry weather are predicted. [1870-1875]"

The Chicago Groundhogs are reliving February 2nd.  Perhaps since, well...pick a date, any date!  Curious that Webster's included the dates of origin about the word groundhog-apparently just coincidental that the origin of the Cubs began the next year-1876.

The Cubs have always been my favorite and cherished sports team.  I coined the term, "Genetic Cubs Fan" to jokingly refer to and account for how and why I have continued to remain loyal to the original Chicago White Stockings.

This team has taken on aspects of being like family-no, I have accepted and behaved exactly as if the Cubs are family.  As such, I have always supported, followed, loved unconditionally, and accepted the Cubs-no matter what!

Yes, I have also been shattered, utterly disappointed, embarrassed, and teetered on absolute disgust.  However, the Cubs have also taught me patience, great patience, perseverance, the value of loyalty, an appreciation for history, great joy (1969) amidst agonizing pain and disappointment (1969, 1984,1989,1998,2003) and finally, hope and love.

I love the Cubs and hope that the Cubs' groundhog soon emerges from hibernation and stops seeing shadows of past collapses, dropped fly balls, missed cutoff throws, botched grounders through their legs, and eight runs in the eighth.

Maybe their emergence will shine brightly as the hibernating and injured Cubs groundhogs return to their ivy-colored championship ground.

Oh, and by the way, please teach the groundhogs that the W flag flying above the Wrigley Field scoreboard means WIN not Winter; and the L stands for Loss not linger (as in hibernation)!

Eamus Catuil!