The Waiting is the Hardest Part
On Sunday night, we had the privilege of being invited to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox play Tampa Bay in Game 3 of the post-season playoffs. We were so excited as we drove into the city, realizing we hadn’t been to Boston since February 2020. We left the house early, making sure we had plenty of time for pre-game festivities and walking around the ballpark.
As we exited the Mass Pike, traffic came to a complete stop. We were 1.4 miles from the lot where we usually park. According to Waze, it would take 9 minutes to get there. Then Waze recalculated, supposedly found us a more direct route, and told us to go the opposite way. We followed directions, hit traffic again and this time noticed the giant Citgo sign was behind us. Not good. I was trying to be patient as I watched the clock moving closer to game time.
On the right was a cut-through street I recognized and turned down to hopefully get closer to our parking lot. The street was filled with fans walking to the game and valet attendants trying to squeeze as many cars into their small areas as possible. Just as we were ready to make a final turn toward our parking lot— now a short three minutes away— a random driver overestimated how much space he had to parallel park and backed right into my car. It was a small jolt, but nonetheless required us to get out of the car to assess the damage. His car had a big dent. My car was fine. Plus we had a game to get to… We agreed to move on.
We hopped back in the car, heart rates high, and carefully navigated through the crowds of excited fans heading toward Lansdowne Street. I could finally see our parking lot up ahead. I could also see the “Lot Full” sign. There were no spaces left and we were at a dead end.
We had to turn around and try to find an alternate place to park in the midst of all the craziness. We finally drove three blocks in the opposite direction (again) and pulled up in front of a swanky hotel. I noticed a valet in a nice suit parking cars and paid him for a spot right in front with easy access to leave at the end of the night. At this late stage, I didn’t see any other option. With heart rates still slightly elevated, we briskly walked three blocks back to Fenway.
The wait was almost over.
Except for the line to get through security, the bag search, the security scan, and my e-tickets that had trouble loading. We eventually made it to our seats (a little sweaty) with 10 minutes to spare.
The game was terrific from the start. In the best-of-five series with one win each for the Sox and Tampa, we were really hoping for a Sox victory. Both teams played great, and the score was 4-4 at the bottom of the 8th.
The score was still 4-4 at the bottom of the 9th.
And the bottom of the 10th.
And the bottom of the 11th.
And the bottom of the 12th.
If you watched the game, you know it wasn’t until the bottom of the thirteenth inning that the Red Sox scored a home run to ultimately win. It was a phenomenal game to witness! But sometimes the waiting is the hardest part, isn’t it?
As someone who’s a planner, Sunday’s experience was a reminder that sometimes our plans are not in our control. Have you had this experience recently? Has your patience been tested? Over the past 18 months, who’s been frustrated with the waiting, or the plan not turning out to be the plan? Or should I ask, who hasn’t?
They say good things come to those who wait. They also say that patience is a virtue.
This week I am working on patience, deep breathing, and letting go.
Who’s with me?
This Week’s Resources
The Happiness Lab
You might think that more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations would make you happy. You’re dead wrong, according to Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos. Looking for a fascinating podcast series? Check out The Happiness Lab and be ready to change how you think: Happiness Lab
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
When was the last time you treated yourself to a box of Cracker Jacks? Remember the distinct flavor of the molasses-flavored caramel-coated popcorn mixed with peanuts? Read here to learn about the history of Cracker Jacks and the guy who invented this classic snack: inventor of cracker jacks
The Oldest Ballpark in America
Fenway Park’s history dates back to 1901—and if you go there today, so much of its original charm still exists. For a walk down memory lane, read about the cool details and behind the scenes stories of the oldest ballpark in America: the story of fenway park
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