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Who won the pennant?

By
Real Estate Agent with Weidel Realtors

Who won the pennant? Today is my Dad's anniversary and Who won the pennant? were Dad's last words.  Dad's final illness was unexpected and fairly brief. Diagnosed with cancer in April, he packed a lot of suffering into about 5 1/2 months and then he was gone.

My brother and I were trying to stay all night at the nursing home, so my father wouldn't be alone. Dad had been on morphine for a couple of days and was sleeping most of the time. Most of our family had gathered the night before and had an opportunity to tell Dad we loved him and say our final goodbyes. Saturday evening, September 20, Dad was sleeping and Tom, my brother, and I just stayed in the room and chatted quietly or then just sat.  Suddenly, Dad woke up and looked at both of us and asked about the pennant. Since Dad had been in hospital or a nursing home for all but two weeks since April, he had missed most, if not all, of his beloved Phillies' season. We saw plenty of Atlanta games that summer and watched a lot of othe sports with him, but the Phillies games were not available.

My brother and I were so startled at his question, that at first we didn't answer. Mu brother finally stammered...they're still in it Dad. They still have  a shot. Dad said okay or something and nodded off.  My smartest sister told me the next day, after Dad had passed away, that we should of just lied and said The Phillies won the pennant.  That way Dad could rest easy. I think I would have had a really hard time thinking my last words to my Dad were a lie.

Of course I miss my Dad. He was quiet, but wise. He understood my Mother in ways I don't think any of us ever will. He was patient and kind and loved his family and his Phillies.

September is always a month filled with memories, but The Phillies' recent years of success somehow make it easier. We are sharing The Phillies glorious season and Dad will be with me and all of us, as we root and cheer, hopefully into a long post season.

My Dad would have loved this TEAM of Phillies. He would have liked Charlie Manuel a lot as well. Even my Mother watched the entire World Series parade 3 years ago, knowing that my Dad would have really enjoyed it - right up until a player said a four letter word on mic.  And I think he would be very pleased that his grandchildren - all 10 of them - have adopted or increased their passion for his Phillies. My youngest son says that somebody has to channel Poppie's spirit and love for the game and the team.

Who won the pennant? The Phillies have won the National League East for the fifth straight year and the rest of the season has yet to unfold. What I do know is this - my Dad's family is cheering on his team for him and with him.

Who won the pennant? I can't wait to answer that question.

Posted by

Anne M Costello 



Anne M. Costello
REALTOR®, ABR, CDPE, ePRO, GRI, GREEN, SFR, SRES
SALES DIRECTOR
Weidel Realtors Newtown/Yardley Office
10 North Main Street  • Yardley, PA 19067
Cell: 215 771-1642 • Office: 215-493-1954
Email: acostello@weidel.com
URL: www.AnneMCostello.com
 

Comments (14)

Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Anne, Your Dad will see the Phillies win the pennant this year through your eyes. I know how you feel. Monday, September 19 was the second anniversary of my Father's passing and it has been a difficult week for me.

Sep 21, 2011 12:26 AM
Mona Gersky
MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC - Sylva, NC
GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.

Having just lost my Dad in June (who was also a huge sports fan) you know I was reduced to tears by the end of this incredibly lovely story.  My family and I were with my Dad in hospice until the end.  You would never have forgiven yourself if you had lied to your Dad in his last moments.  I can't even imagine that.

I'll be thinking of you today Anne and so very much appreciate this warm, open and caring post today.

Sep 21, 2011 12:26 AM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi Anne,

I just don't know what to say about this post except. I am very sorry for your loss. I lost my father about three years ago.

He had battled illnesses for a long time. When he did finally get home, that's when he passed away. He always said he wanted to die at home.

He got his wish. Our prayers will be with you.

Best, Clint McKie

Sep 21, 2011 12:27 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

In the potato fields growing up, the radio on a barrel as the digger squeaks by let us know how the Red Sox were doing in the world series ring race. Baseball games on the radio in the summer on a porch or lakeside, in your car are a neat companion, past time. About as American as you can get.

Sep 21, 2011 12:28 AM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Heartwarming story.  Your brother Tom gave your Dad the right answer Anne.............it's never easy losing a parent, we lost my Dad three years ago.

Sep 21, 2011 12:36 AM
Anne M. Costello
Weidel Realtors - Yardley, PA

Gita; I always read your posts about your parents and am touched by how much you miss them. Thank you for your warm words.

Mona: I was truly honored to read yuor posts about your Dad. They gave us a window to his life and to yours. I appreciate your kind words today. Can't get into the city for a Mass at his parish today, but his memory will informa and inspire me today, as always.

Clint: We all wanted Dad to come home, but soime of his health issues were just too much for my Mother to handle. And then the end came more quickly than most of us expected. At least Pollyanne Anne didn't see it coming. But for him, it was time. I appreciate your kind thoughts and am sorry for your loss.

Andy: I have a girlfriend in Boston that I have reconnected with via Facebook. I am hoping for a Phillies-Red Sox series. I think it would be great baseball. When the Sox finally won the series and our own Curt Schilling had so much to do with it, I was really touched by all the stories of Sox fans going to cemetaries to share the good news with Dads and Granddad. My son Tom (Dad, brother and my son are all named Tom) put a Phillies wristband on the flag holder at Dad's grave. I think we should replace it with a fresher one - maybe after the season. Don't want to jinx anything. Have a great day!

Sep 21, 2011 12:43 AM
Anne M. Costello
Weidel Realtors - Yardley, PA

Roger: I am sorry for your loss and very much admire the way you take care of Mickey. Thanks for your kind words.

Sep 21, 2011 12:44 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Anne. Wow, what a touching story. My Dad is gone 30 years but also loved the Phillies. He too would have loved their recent successes. I am sorry for your loss and hope that the memories made with your Dad help.

Sep 21, 2011 02:52 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Anne, this is a wonderful memorial post to your Dad and i'm sure he's smiling about how you haven't forgotten his Phillies...so sorry for your loss.

Sep 21, 2011 05:10 AM
Anne M. Costello
Weidel Realtors - Yardley, PA

Sheila: Thank you for your warm response. Fans like our Dads really suffered through some lean years - I still remember the 64 Phils and I was in grade. we didn't attend a lot of games, but I can proudly say I have seen THe Phillies at all three ballpars. Not bad for an unathletic girl.

Ginny: There are a few of us who think we have relatives upstairs "advising" the team, management and staff on how to run things. Thanks for the kind thoughts.

Sep 21, 2011 05:15 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

My Dad passed away in September also ..but it was many many years ago .. I will always miss my Dad .This is a lovely Tribute to yours . My heart is with you ..

Hannah

Sep 21, 2011 09:09 AM
Anne M. Costello
Weidel Realtors - Yardley, PA

Hannah: Thanks for your kind thoughts. I hope things are going well for you.

Sep 21, 2011 10:48 AM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Dear Anne ~ I am so sorry for your loss...there is nothing like the loss of a parent or a loved one.  I feel your brother gave the right answer!  I am sure he was watching the games with you and your family and cheering on also.  Such a touching story.  Thank you for sharing with us. It is wonderful the generations are carrying the passion forward.  I wish I had the big hug button.  Thanks for touching all of us.

Sep 22, 2011 03:03 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

I'd tell you to cherish those memories because I don't have memories like those and never will.

Sep 24, 2011 05:19 PM