In today’s issue of the New York Times, there was an Op-Ed piece on what families hand down to the next generation. It covered the usual suspects of things you can touch and see — clothes, furniture, and oh yes, an animal head! All of which serve as visual reminders of the family member who has passed on.
But there are some family heirlooms you can’t see — you can only feel ’em! And what’s better is that they can be given by the living.
I inherited my love of the Yankees from my mother. I can vividly recall her taking me to my first Yankee game when I was a little girl of four or five; I remember her crying upon learning of the news of Thurman Munson’s death; and, I can also recall us both swooning over Mariano Rivera when he first joined the team. (As my friends can attest, I LUV Mariano!)
I am a die-hard Yankee fan because, well, they are “The Yankees.” But also because of the bonding moments my mother and I have shared watching a game together or “together” in our respective homes 800 miles away from each other.
With the sad news of George Steinbrenner’s passing, I am reminded that family heirlooms – regardless of whether they are something you can touch or “feel” – are about memories. Many thanks for some awesome memories, Mr. Steinbrenner!
My condolences to the Steinbrenner family and the Yankee team and staff.
