Two years ago Harvey swept through Houston leaving devastation and crushed psyches behind. Suffering was the norm, but then something wonderful happened that buoyed the town’s spirit. The Houston Astros won the World Series! Funny how sports can serve as a vehicle for shared bonding.
Fast forward to this week, and the Astros were again in the series competing against the Washington Nationals. We returned from Maine just in time to go to the last two games.
With rally towels in hand, we became part of an excited crowd. It was fun being part of the energy though our collected exuberance wasn’t enough to result in the outcome we hoped for.
There will be another time with, perhaps, a different result. In the meantime, the Nats should revel in their success.
While going to the games provided memorable experience, what was really wonderful was that Game 6 was a family bonding experience.
Three generations that included 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren, cheered together and that took me down memory lane.
When our girls were about 5 and the 6, they started going to Astros games. We sat about 4 rows behind their dugout. The girls knew every player’s name and cheered loudly for each as he came to bat. Those little girl voices drew attention, and on more than one occasion a player would throw them a signed baseball or a hat which became special treasures.
Through the years they yelled for Billy Doran, Dave Smith, Nolan Ryan, Jose Cruz, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Reynolds, Ken Caminiti, Roger Clemens and many others.
Today, their cheers are for Jose Altuve, George Springer, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, Garritt Cole, Josh Reddick and all the others that make up the Astros Roster.
No matter the era, what Astros teams have in common is that they are likeable guys which has made cheering them on very easy.
With one daughter in Tennessee and our being in Maine during most of the season, who knows when there will be opportunity for another shared baseball experience. Sure, we’d have liked an Astros victory, but our being together was a real win!
Lulu's Musings 
What a whole lot of fun, Linda!! And a great family sharing some love.
The only thing that would’ve made it better is the Astros winning!
What a beautiful family and how those girls look like you!
I was rooting for the Astros! Such a fun series, going to 7 games, and how much fun to actually go with your family!! I know you all had a ball anyway!!
Jenna
Great column, Linda. I appreciate your take on this. It applies to so many other aspects of our lives in this tumultuous society we live in. I know, I shouldn’t end a sentence with a preposition! My best always and I enjoy all your columns.
I was pulling for the Astros. Memorable times with family are always a winner!
How special is that!? Happy to see the fam enjoying this great event together. I’ll be joining some of my fam to cheer on the Seattle Sounders in the Major League Soccer Cup finals in Seattle on November 10th.
We were watching and we were sorry the Astros didn’t win this time. So happy that you were able to share the last 2 games with your family. What a beautiful family you have!
I went to an Astros game years ago. Glad they have had success as of late.
So glad your family made it to the games! It certainly was a bonding experience for us here in DC! Our daughter watched the final game in Nats stadium at a watch party on the Jumbotron! Spending all summer in Maine cuts into our baseball viewing time! See ya next year Astros!!!
I thought of you!!
Glad you guys are back in Houston!
We followed all the games through the World Series. It seemed this town turned ORANGE with ASTROS color!
They’re Champs in our book, plus there’s always “next year”.
P.S. Congrats to the Nats, also.