Words should be measured carefully before they are spoken. Frequently you do not know their import until it is too late. Once said, they cannot be unspoken, no matter how much we wish it were so.
Let me explain...
When I was pregnant with my now seven-year-old, we went to a Braves game. Now, you must understand that I am a huge Braves fan. Obsessive, some would say. Given the opportunity I would rather be at Turner Field than just about anywhere else.
However, in this particular instance it was a day game in late June. I was six months pregnant, and I was ready to go home. We were on the right side of a 4-0 shutout going into the eighth, so it looked good for an on-time departure.
Until the Orioles scored in the top of the 8th. And then three more times in the top of the 9th. By the bottom of the 9th, our four-run lead had disintegrated into a tie ballgame.
Late June in Atlanta when you're very pregnant is enough to make even the most die-hard baseball fan weary.
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| Andruw Jones |
At that moment I spoke words that live with me to this day.
"Andruw Jones, If you hit a home run right now, I'll name my baby after you!"
I screamed. I chopped. I prayed.
