All Star Love

As I was on my run this morning, being able to finally decompress from an extravagant 3 days in Minnesota, I had an epiphany. The events over the course of those 3 days, were indescribable. I often found myself in awe and saying "I do not deserve this" or "I cannot believe I am here." But it wasn’t until this morning, that I realized why. 

Many times over the 3 days, the MLB All Star teachers were often separated into the AL and NL divisions. That being said, I got to know many of my NL colleagues very well. But it wasn’t until a pivotal moment (which I can now recognize), which then led to a pivotal day, that I realized why I was being honored as an All Star teacher.

Let me paint the picture for you. It was Tuesday, the day of the All Star game, another insanely busy day. That morning, we were surprised by a meet and greet with Dr. Jill Biden. After our meet and greet, it was time for the Red Carpet Parade down the main street in Minneapolis. Once again we were divided into our divisions, AL in the first trolley, NL in the second. Being that I was representing the Pittsburgh Pirates, I was slotted to go in the second trolley. The parade was quite remarkable. People were yelling "THANK YOU" as we drove by waving and smiling. After all was said and done, it was time for our trolley to head back to the hotel. The back of the trolley was open, which is where all 15 teachers were sitting. In the front of the trolley, the windows were half open filled with our amazing "red shirt ladies" from People, MLB, and Target. One of the writers for People, his name escapes me now, came and sat next to me. He shared with me that when Dr. Biden was asked which biography stuck to her the most, she said the teacher from the Pittsburgh Pirates who makes the quilts. This then launched THAT PIVOTAL MOMENT.

In the beginning of our conversation, it was just me and Mr. writer talking about Project Chemo Crochet. I began by giving an overview of what we do, and how it began. Slowly one by one, the teachers and other people in the trolley fell to a silence. They all became laser focused on my story, our story. I shared with them the significance of the blankets, what they mean to those battling cancer. I shared stories of those people who have sent in hundreds of squares and those that sent just one meaningful square in memory of a father or mother whom they have lost to cancer. I shared the story of our loved ones who have passed on and how the blanket is now a sense of comfort to the daughters, sisters, mothers, etc of those who will forever feel that void in their heart. I was just pouring it all out, without even thinking or pausing for a breath.

As we pulled up to the back of the hotel, I started wrapping up. It was at that moment that I looked around at my NL teachers and many other on the trolley. I saw tears, smiles, and even faces of shear blankness. I then just stopped talking, I fell to a silence. The trolley erupted with noise once again, but this time with words such as "How can we help?" , "What can we do?", "I am going to bring this back to my school". Looking back on that moment, this was when things came together for me and my reason for being there. Similarly to what I had stated in my caregiver speech at Relay for Life, I was there to teach and spread love. For loving and supporting is what it is all about. To take moments to reflect on those battling for their lives, to beat cancer, by crocheting squares or just spreading our message of support and encouragement in the toughest of times. I not only teach my students this, but I am also teaching this to many others around the country, and hopefully world.

For the remaining portion of the day, I had my most memorable exchanges with many of those individuals who were on that trolley ride. Renan from the Mets, who lost her dad to cancer. David from the Marlins whose dad is battling cancer everyday of his life. Katie who lost her mom to cancer around the same time as I lost my mom. Eric from the Brewers who devotes so much time to raising money for ACS. Tracy from the Giants, who has already devised a plan for what she will be doing with her leadership group to get Project Chemo Crochet started in her high school. These are just a few that I can remember, but I know there were many more.

And to top all of this off, my number on the NL side was 12! TWELVE! Those that know me, know the significance of this! Mom, I hope I am making you proud, for it is the love you had always showed me, and the love that I will forever have for you that is behind all of this.

I an HONORED to be amongst the group of 30 All Star Teachers!