That NSXPO fleece provides great insulation from the winds up top at Shea. The stadium was sold out and the empty seats were just for the opening ceremony while many people were stuck on the Grand Central trying to get in or on line getting bags searched on the way in. With my dad in a wheelchair we were able to zip through security without waiting on lines or being searched.
I figured Bailey would notice the bling. That bracelet has a little back story to it. My mom gave it to my dad for their 50th anniversary in 2000. He had a massive brain hemorrhage Christmas eve 2002 and while in a coma in the hospital that night, someone stole the bracelet off of his wrist. Needless to say, my mom was devastated when we got there Christmas morning to find it missing.
I put up a large sign in the hall outside his room with a photo I took of them showing the bracelet with a plea on Christmas that if the person who took it had any conscience at all they would return it before the end of Christmas day. The hospital administration tried to get me to take it down but I let them know that the sign was staying up for all to see.
Later that day I took a break and went to the cafeteria just to sit in a corner and rest for a while. I guess I looked pretty depressed sitting alone in the corner and after a little bit a hospital worker brought over a tray with some turkey and all the trimmings, simply said Merry Christmas and walked away.
After finishing this gift of a Christmas dinner I returned to the room and was told by my mom that an aide walked in crying, put the bracelet on the bed and left the room. I kept my promise not to press criminal charges if the bracelet was returned and then spent each day of the ensuing 7 weeks in hospitals trying to help save my dad.
Since then, that bling bling has not left his wrist again and we have not missed an Opening Day.