The year was 2003 when everything changed for my beloved Cubs and for me. It was a bone-chilling, blustery February day that life as I knew it would never be the same. I can still hear the phone call from thirteen years ago, clinging to my memory like the ivy on the brick walls of Wrigley Field.
I was newly divorced and financially broke, single mom of two young children when I was confronted with the news that my ex had a horrible snowmobile accident, leaving him a paraplegic. That was the same year my beloved Cub’s heart was broke as well. When Bartman leaned forward to catch Marlin’s second baseman, Luis Castillo’s, foul ball. His attempt distracted Cubs left-fielder, Moises Alou. Marlins wound up scoring eight runs that inning. The Cubs lost. They were eliminated the next night. The curse lived on or was it really a curse?
I don’t believe in “The Bartman curse,” and I don’t believe the curse of the Billy Goat either. I am hopeless optimistic like a loyal Cub fan at Wrigley; who waves the W flag when their precious Cubbies are losing 8-0 in the bottom of the ninth. I believe that even if you are dealt a bad pitch or someone plays interference, you always have a choice to dig deep, brush the dirt off, play a little scrappy, but get the job done.
That’s what I did, without a relief pitcher in sight. Thirteen years later, I see how things turned around for my kids and me; as well as the Chicago Cubs. My kids, Jake and Tarah ,are both in college and the Cubs are in the playoffs, hopefully, heading to the World Series.
How does one keep walking forward with hope when your world seems hopeless?
1) Get out of the dugout, (or your bed) every day. You may fall on your face but at least it is momentum in the right direction.
2) Never settle. Wake up every day and say “Nothing but greatness today.” Play like a champion.
3) If you are unsure of an answer – Do nothing! Don’t try to pick up a “new player” or spouse. That is not your answer .
4) Be open to change. The best plans change without your permission. You need to be flexible to adjust. You need to know when it is time to steal 2nd.
5) Write down your thoughts every day.The Good, the bad & the ugly. See your progress. What are your stats?
6) In this time of transition – be the best you. The Cubs may not have always have a winning team- but they are the best team at Wrigley.
7) Do everything without complaining and arguing. Nobody likes a poor sport!
8) Always believe you will win. Get The W flag out and start waving. Fake it until you feel it. 9) Trust the plan. No matter what it is. You may not agree with the GM or God but they are in charge.
10) Allow yourself to be sad but you need to get up and take another swing. You could hit a home run.
11) And lastly as a “suffering cubs fan” there is always next year!… Hopefully this is the year!
I know I said 10 ways… but the 11th is the bonus! Hoping me, you, and my beloved Cubbies get an extra inning – if it means winning.
UPDATE : This was written pre- World Series . 2016 was the Cub’s year & mine as well ! Here is hoping the winning streak continues in 2017!
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You can follow me on twitter: @lisaschomer0206
The Whisper Within 
October 11, 2016 at 5:48 pm
There’s an awful lot to be said about putting one foot in front of the other. I should probably have it as the first line on my CV – “Very, very good at keeping going regardless.”
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October 11, 2016 at 7:38 pm
Yep … Not everyday is the beach like where I live in CA. Even If it is raining & snowing in Chicago, the mailman still delivers.
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October 11, 2016 at 8:04 pm
I remember that Chicago game. I was watching it with my cousin. We didn’t know if we should laugh or cry. 🙂 Poor Bartman. Thanks for sharing. Nice post!
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October 11, 2016 at 9:31 pm
thanks blessings to you.
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January 1, 2017 at 4:56 pm
I survived as a single mom for 37 years before the cubs won the World Series. I am now 69 years old and I have been going to cubs games since I was about six . So I have been suffering a very long time until this year. The best thing for me was I am now retired so I was able to watch every single cub game. e
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January 1, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Peg- YOU are an inspiration ! God’s blessings to you . Hoping this year brings you much love ! Big hugs !
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January 4, 2017 at 7:33 am
Can relate to your post as I was a single mom also after 33 years of marriage with four adult daughters and two daughters still in middle school! I went to work and fortunately found a job I could support my two youngest and myself as my ex- husband passed away two years after our divorce! I found my soul mate almost twenty years later. (I was 70 and he was 59.) We were married in 2001 and he passed away from cancer in 2013! We made 30 years of memories in those few years together! Our faith in God got us thru! I”m 85 and living with my youngest, helping with the housework and her two children, who are in middle school! This is where God wants me! I have found people at my church that I can help and encourage and the makes me feel good! Thanks for sharing your story! Hang in there – life begins at 70!!!
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January 4, 2017 at 12:44 pm
Carolyn~
Thank you for sharing your message of Hope! You have quite the life! I love your positive attitude to keep walking in faith despite your adversities. You I am sure, am adored by those who are lucky to encounter you. I am glad you are an encourager~ since the world needs more like you.
Truthfully I hope God does not wait until I am 70 ~ but who am I to doubt God’s Plan. He answered Sara in HIS time with a baby. My time right now is to be single ~ and possibly help other single women to stay faithful to his plan. My husband is coming but in the meantime my purpose is understood. Much love to you. Big hugs. Lisa
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January 7, 2017 at 9:04 pm
I am a 66 yr. old Cubs fan & REMEMBER 1969. I too was a single parent and reared two great kids and have 3 grandkids–ALL CUBS FANS—I will say if I was younger I would ask you to accompany me to a ball game and actually enjoy your company watching Cubbies. Thanks for a GOOD story and good luck in life. GO CUBS 2017!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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January 8, 2017 at 3:24 pm
Roger ~ Very sweet offer. Happy that you had a rewarding experience raising children & now enjoying grandchildren. Blessings to you this year. Lisa
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