Here I Am

Today was my second official day of working with Dick Enberg and the San Diego Padres. There is no better way to describe my feelings except; it felt like coming home. I walked into the stadium yesterday a nervous wreck, so unsure of what to expect, unconfident in what I had prepared, and acutely aware of how much I hated wearing heels. When I walked into the press box Mud's aka Mark Grant, Dick's color commentator, easy smile and embracing hug put me right at ease. The stage manager, but really the stage mom, Sheila began talking to me as if we were old friends, and Dick, well he looked up from his score sheet with a calm look and assuring smile so contrary to the madness of opening day happening all around us. And once those first 30 seconds were over, I was in my element. I made my way around the press level, being introduced to anyone and everyone I may need or want throughout the season. Most of whom I don't remember their names, but all I remember by their smiles. That's one of my favorite parts about my profession; we are trained to communicate, to understand body language and facial expressions and the affect they have on the people we come in contact with, and so everyone, at least at first, greets you with a welcoming smile like they had known you all their life. Once the game began and I sat in the special chair designated just for me behind the team of Mud and Dick, high above home plate, the best seat in the house, I felt this inexpressible joy bubbling up inside me. With the scent of cracker jacks, the sound of cracking bats, whizzing baseballs, and excited fans filled the air, there was a light in my heart that only God could have put there.