A Great Santo Story (Updated)

Thanks for clearing that up. The whole story is pretty amazing. I spent the entire semester researching and writing that paper, and as big a Cubs fans as I am, I got really, really emotionally invested in the paper. I spent forever perfecting it. That winter, Ron was having an autograph session at the Cubs Convention. I think it was my mom or grandma that said I should print the paper out and give it to him. I thought they were crazy, but brought it with me anyways, with no intention of ever giving it to him. I waited in line to meet Ron about 6 hours, coming within a few people away when they announced he would not be seeing anyone else. I was crushed! I woke up at 4 am and waited for SO long to get this far…and not meet him!? So of course, the fans started yelling for him to not leave, and being the awesome guy that he is, asked the powers that be if he could stay for 10 more minutes.

So I get up to him, and he’s in autograph mode, just signing, passing the picture along, and at times not even looking up. They were rushing people along, but I stopped and yanked the paper out of my bag (the paper I never wanted to give him…funny how quickly your mind changes!!) and started blurting out what it was about and how much of an honor it was to meet him…etc..etc…and then I started crying! It was emotionally overwhleming spending ALL that time researching and writing about this Cubs legend and then actually seeing him in person. When Ron heard my shakey voice, he put his pen down and looked up at me and grabbed both my hands and said it was such a pleasure to meet me and how he would certainly read it. WOW, I could not believe it!! My brother had to almost carry me off the stage I was so moved. This is all so funny cause I am normally not an emotional person, at all. I guess that’s what these Cubbies do to me.

So, a few months later, during my family’s annual trip to AZ for spring training, we were getting ready to watch a game at Hohokam from one of the skyboxes. Someone walked into our box and mentioned that they had just seen Ron get off the elevator on his way to the press box. I instantly perked up. They said if you run, you might be able to catch him for an autograph. So, I SPRINTED towards the press box…and caught him right as he was walking in. Usually I am a very shy, timid person – but again, something about the moment made me act out of character. I yelled his name and ran right up to him. I quickly explained to him that a few months ago I had met him at the CC and gave him that paper…and he might rememeber me because I was particularily emotional about it. He said of course he remembered me, and the paper. He said he read it, and loved it, and even got emotional himself when he read it. This was probably the greatest moment of my life. Hearing that your hero had read something you wrote about him, and was moved by it? Amazing. This remains the best day of my life.

Here is the pic I got with him that day. I treasure it more than anything, especially now.

Now that he has passed, and my work was recognized on Garry’s show…this is truly the icing on the cake. I am so thankful to have met Ron. I will forever miss him.