Do You Love baseball?

I was asked that question a few weeks ago. “Yes, of course I do!” was my response. Those of you who know me are thinking, “Right! You? Love baseball?” But I do. I do love baseball. My love for the sport extends far beyond favorite players or a team, beyond the athleticism and the statistics.

Through the years, baseball has always been there. There’s no escaping it! From watching Johnny Bench and the Cincinnati Reds on TV during the 70s, to having a Cincinnati Reds chaplain as a neighbor today, baseball has “followed me” and I am grateful for it.

I love what baseball represents, what it stands for, how it brings people together, and the memories and traditions it has helped create. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to share the reasons why I love baseball.

Becoming Mrs. Tekulve


October 25, 1986—the day I married Buddy Tekulve. “Tekulve? Wasn’t there a pitcher in the 70s who had that last name?” Yes, there was, Kent Tekulve...and yes, Buddy is a distant cousin.

Let’s get back to October 25.

When we arrived at our hotel room that night, what was the first thing we did? Well, not what you’d expect newlyweds to do! We were so hungry! We ordered room service and watched the Mets and Red Sox duke it out in game six of the World Series. As Buddy and I sat on the edge of the bed, we devoured our club sandwiches and Cherry Cokes and witnessed Bill Buckner’s “between the legs” error! What a game! The Mets rallied for three more runs and won, 6-5, forcing game 7—which they won and ultimately the World Series.

Most couples celebrate their anniversary dining at a fine restaurant. For us, sharing a meal of club sandwiches and Cherry Cokes…and watching the World Series…has become a beloved anniversary tradition. And, I wouldn’t want to spend it any other way.

Children, Changes, and Making Friends

Columbus, Indiana is our hometown, and when our children were young, we watched the Indianapolis Indians’ play at Victory Field, which opened in 1996. We loved taking the kids there, daughter Katie, and son, T.J. Their favorite memory is meeting the San Diego Chicken.  I’ll never forget their faces as he hugged them and signed their plush San Diego Chickens…which they still have at ages 27 and 24.

Buddy’s work took him to Georgetown, Indiana and we moved to southern Indiana in 2000. His employer had seats at Slugger Field, another new baseball park! We enjoyed countless games with the kids, watching Jake the Diamond Dog and catching fly balls and T-shirts. We became friends with our attendant/usher Steve, who greeted us with a smile and handshake every time. When the kids brought friends with them, he would ask if it was their first time there. Somehow, he always managed to get a ball for them.

Buddy changed jobs in 2008 and we lost the seats between third and home. We continued to go to Bats’ games, by ourselves more and more as the kids grew older. Buddy always walked to section 120 to see if Steve was there, to say hello and shake his hand. When we were at a Bats game in April, Buddy asked our usher if he knew Steve. (We hadn’t seen him in a while.) When he told us Steve had passed away, it broke our hearts. He was dear to us—not because of what he did for us at Slugger Field. Steve was a smiling face and a friendly handshake that made a family far from home feel “at home.” He was (and is) a cherished part of our lives.

Older but Still Young-at-Heart

I miss having the kids at home; taking vacations together, going to Bats’ games as a family. But, it’s also nice to be a couple again! Our favorite vacations have included major league baseball games.  In 2014, we spent a much-needed weekend getaway in Cincinnati and watched the Reds at The Great American Ballpark. 

In 2016, I attended a conference in San Diego. “Fly out with me! We can go to Petco Park and watch the All-Star game!” was my suggestion. We went, had a blast, and even got our picture on the jumbo screen! (above)

We have a new vacation goal: to visit as many major league baseball parks as we can.

In 2015, we moved from the country to be closer to our workplaces.  One day, I was working in the yard, wearing a Cincinnati Reds T-shirt. I heard, “Hi, neighbor! You’re a Reds fan!” in a thick Hispanic accent. “I’m a chaplain for the Reds,” he went on to explain. 

Jose and Carol are wonderful neighbors. We discovered we have a lot in common: similar beliefs, values, and…baseball.  I admire what Jose does and is to so many players and their families!  He’s a minister, but he also administers to them.  He shares his home with countless Hispanic players and their families, giving them a place to stay as they try out for the Bats or are being called up to the Reds.  It’s an amazing thing to witness.

What’s in a Name?

A month ago, Buddy and I attended a show at Derby Dinner Playhouse. Though I don’t mind sharing a table with other guests, I usually like having it all to ourselves. As we were seated, I noticed the table was reserved for two more. I wasn’t in the best of moods and had hoped I wouldn’t have to make small-talk with anyone.

After getting our drinks, an elderly couple approached us, and the lady said in a soft voice, “Hello! I guess we’re sharing the evening with you two!” I presented my best smile and continued to sip my water.

As dinner progressed, my shield began to disappear. What a sweet couple! Wetta (Lowetta) Jenkins shared she and Charlie had been married for almost 56 years. She lovingly spoke of her children and grandchildren, but mostly doted on Charlie. She shared how he used to be the local radio sports announcer, but he'd lost his voice to Parkinson's Disease. When Charlie did speak, it was very quiet and strained. A few minutes into our conversation, Charlie looked at Buddy and asked, "What did you say your last name was?" "Tekulve," Buddy replied. "Like the pitcher, Kent Tekulve?" Charlie smiled back. Despite his strained vocals, it was as if Charlie was 10 years old again, talking about his favorite baseball player.

I'll never forget the night Buddy and I shared dinner and show...and heart-warming conversation with the lovely Lowetta and Charlie Jenkins. A name is just a name, but when it embodies greatness, it opens doors, can leave a lasting impression, and creates a bond that lasts far beyond an evening, a career, or a lifetime.

So, Why Do I love Baseball?

Baseball is intertwined in my life story. From my last name and wedding anniversary, cherished memories and vacations, to welcoming attendants, neighbors, and chance encounters, baseball is more to me than following a player or a team. It’s even more than a beautiful ballpark. It’s the people, how it joins them together, regardless of age, race, religion, culture, or economic status. 

I love baseball for what it stands for: family, hope, friendship, and opportunity.

That…is why I love baseball.

Necessary Endings, Necessary Beginnings

This past weekend, my pastor's message centered on Paul's good-byes to the elders in Ephesus who had become beloved friends. "Compelled by the Spirit" (Acts 20:22, NIV), Paul knew it was time to leave Ephesus and head for Jerusalem.  He left the comfortable, the known and familiar for the uncomfortable, the unknown, and unfamiliar. 

Being a weekend I served on the music team, I found myself more intent on playing keys with inspired passion rather than intentionally seeking to be inspired with George's passionate and spirit-filled words.  I knew what his message was about--about saying tough good-byes--which has been an all too-familiar occurrence in my life.  I hid behind the Kurzweil to avoid the tears, for I knew they would surely come once I was compelled by Spirit...I knew God wanted me to not only hear His words, but actively listen to what He wanted to tell me.

God, how is it you know what I need to hear and when I need to hear it?

In just seven weeks, I will be saying good-bye to my son (our youngest) as he leaves home--his comfortable, his known and familiar--for college.  How can this be??  When did he lay down his favorite plush Veggie Tales characters to pick up a laptop?  How is it he can read and write music better than I can?  And that red, Amish-looking beard...When did THAT happen?  My giggly, curly-headed, rambunctious, drink box-sipping 3-year old has turned into a 19-year old, 6' 3" witty, talented, tender-hearted man.  August 14th will definitely be a tough but necessary good-bye.  A necessary ending has to occur so that he can experience a necessary beginning.

Our almost 13-year old Siberian husky, Jenna, is nearing the end of her life.  Everyday, I am blessed by her familiar, comforting fur as she nudges me for another walk outside, regardless of how difficult and shorter the walks have become.  Her gentle disposition and striking blue eyes continue to greet me, but in my heart, I know her heart will one day give out....Each day, her necessary ending is becoming closer and closer. When that day comes, I know the tears will flow and my heart will ache as I say good-bye to her.  Her necessary ending will leave a huge void, but perhaps one day, a new four-legged beginning will enter our lives.

We all have experienced tough good-byes.  Whether it was leaving the only home you'd ever known, the death of a loved one or death of a relationship, or being fired from a job you really loved, each good-bye carries with it a tremendous grief, a broken heart, and memories which bring two-sided tears--tears of sadness for our loss, and tears of joy for the experience.

When saying good-bye to sin, to wrong decisions, to bad habits and wrong turns, we know that those necessary endings can lead to a better life and better beginnings.  In my tough good-byes, I have learned through God's love and discipline that each ending was necessary for my growth as a Christian.  He has taught me that it was through my tough and painful good-byes I grew stronger, more compassionate, and more mature in my Christian walk. Shouldn't that be our goal as Christians anyway?  To grow and become more like Christ? To show love and compassion to others? To share His message of truth and salvation? We desire and strive to be on that proverbial mountaintop, but fail to remember that every climb to the top begins down in the valley!  Our necessary endings in life can most certainly take us to unrelenting depths. But as Christians, we know that Christ's ultimate sacrifice- His necessary ending--had to occur in order for our glorious beginning in eternity!

As certain chapters come to a close and new ones are about to be opened, I know the good-byes will be tough, but I also know that the transition from old to new, from ending to a beginning, are necessary moments for me and for others.  As Paul told his friends in Ephesus, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace" (Acts 20:24, NIV).

River of Sorrows, Mile of Pain

There never was a love so true

though time would not allow it

to grow despite the odds and fate;

still their passion did not quit.

A river of sorrows, a mile of pain,

their crossroads made them one.

Misguided, chained and longing for

the freedom to become.

Choices made them who they are

yet chance tried to bring change.

It's never easy to break away

but stay put in one place.

Is being content worth more than love?

Is true love worth fighting for?

A river of sorrows, a mile of pain,

a star to wish for more.

There never was a love so true

no hearts a stronger beat.

Though time has won its battle,

odds' war they can defeat.

Originally Written in March 2010

Schwinn-ing

On June 14th, 1972, I'm sure my day started out like any other girl's day would have. The calendar hanging by the wall phone in the kitchen told me it was Flag Day, but for an eight year old, unless there are presents, a day off from school, or a special family meal planned, it wasn't a real holiday.

My paternal grandparents had stopped by for a visit that afternoon, so in many ways the day was a special one, for they lived over an hour away.  I don't remember why, but my pap-pa wanted to go for a bicycle ride, which I thought was rather odd.  A grandpa on a bicycle?!  He was at least 60 years old!  Being pap-pa's girl, I decided I wanted to go, too.

What happened after we left our driveway is sketchy, but I do remember trying to keep up with him on my older sister's blue Schwinn...pedaling and swerving on unrelenting gravel.  My next memory was waking up on the scratchy green shag carpet in our living room, wondering why everyone was looking at me!  The right side of my face was burning, and I couldn't see very well.  Was that my mom peeking around the corner?  "Mommy...Mommy..." I cried out for her, but she disappeared.  Why didn't she come back?  Luckily, my sister Renita was there to comfort and console.

I was rushed in our Impala to our family doctor and received stitches above my right eye.  I wanted to go home, but the doctor suggested x-rays at the county hospital.  So I endured another car ride and pain as I lie on a cold metal table to make sure nothing was broken.  Bandaged and bruised, I finally arrived home.  Restless nights, countless bandage changes and ointments, I thought my summer was ruined! (My mom was concerned my face was "ruined.")  Weeks went by, the bandages came off, I endured and healed, and even rode a bike again...all before I entered third grade in August.

On Flag Day, on every June 14th, I can't help but recall "my bicycle accident."  I can barely see the scars on my right knee and right side of my face, as age and wrinkles have become life's best concealer. But I know they're still there.

Looking back as an adult on my bike wreck, I'm grateful for the experience as it has been life-lesson material for me and many others I've shared the story with. Like any traumatic experience, the pain and the memories do not completely go away. 

We may be able to offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt us deeply and eventually pedal on through life, but we may never be able to forget the pain. True, I could have stayed behind and not ventured out with pap-pa that day.  And there are other gravel situations in life that could have and should have been avoided.  But I realize now that without them, I would not appreciate the good, the smooth, and the paved times in my life.

I'm Schwinn-ing today, much like I was 41 years ago...ready to take on pavement or gravel, possible pain and scars, uphill or downhill, as I continue on this ride.

It's Been a Long Time Coming

Learning online has become a way of life for me.  Now that it's coming to an end, how will I occupy my time?  Will I be fortunate to enter the career I'm hoping for?  Will my college degree help open doors?  Will my investment in time, hard work and sacrifice pay off?

So many unknowns, so many unseens...I feel like I'm back where I started before I began this educational journey...

But that's what life is--a journey.

We don't always arrive where we want to go, when we want to get there, and with whom we want to get there with.  I've experienced all three...as I'm sure everyone has to some degree.  Life is not planned out like a map; we make our own map as time leads us here and there, hoping we'll eventually end up where we're supposed to be--and the journey will have been worthwhile.

Life's little detours...moving, financial stress, death, marital problems, job loss, depression...I've known these, too.  I've also known joy, contentment, peace, forgiveness, and love.

So, now that I'm three days away from finishing my BA in Communications, I'm wondering, "Was it worth it?"  What is a college education worth these days, anyway!? Does it really increase a person's net worth or self worth? 

What am I worth?

I feel "accomplished" and know that my online learning has been a wonderful journey.  But my education is not over, for I've not yet completed my journey.  Perhaps I'll start law school, start my own HR consulting firm, or pursue a Masters degree in Political Science or Psychology...

God, where are we going next?

I'm ready to learn more...I'm ready for the next journey.

https://ottawau.blackboard.com/courses/1/LAS-45012-SP-2013-OB/db/_2524011_1/my%20educational%20journey-R.Tekulve.ppt

Seeking Words of Wisdom

Final Thoughts...

 Intercultural Communication
is more than communicating with people of a different culture; it is understanding the complexity of the human spirit, appreciating the diversity of God's world, and knowing that every human possesses the desire to be heard and understood...and that every human has the capacity to love.

Galations 5:13-15 NIV "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself."

Martin Luther King, Jr. "We must come to see that human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability.  It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of men willing to be coworkers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social injustice." - Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1963.

Mother Teresa "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."