Just reading about Timmy Brown's leg here this am as contrary to popular belief, I only sporadically check in here to read these things the past several years as there's this bigger thing called life which requires my attention... Timmy's post made me think of the special relationship we each have with the game, and with each other. And as many of you know, Lothar "Lex" Herrlett and I are very close. And his mother Johann passed away at the age of 72 this am after a 13 year, on-again, off again battle with various forms of the big C... Affectionately known by all as "Oma" she welcomed me into her home and family gatherings/celebrations much as Lex's brother, simply because Lex invited me... She invited MANY other random strays like me through the years too, based upon her open, loving, SUPER FUN heart through the years... Lex has never known life on this planet w/out his "Oma" and in this tough world, even the toughest of us like Lex get the beat down at times... Nobody escapes unscathed... He has stood by me through many trials and tribulations of life (mostly female related!) and we have always come back to the same conversation we are having again now in a much different, more enlightened way it feels. And begins with the query, "Where do you feel most yourself"? And what gives you peace and comfort? Where do we each get that from?
I am just a dumb country boy from Alabama, and I know not much, but I do know I would have lost it if not for the game of baseball and for my best friend the Lexter... Both on and off the field and transcending far beyond the facade of the outwardly competitive fire he and I both possess during games ~ we know it's "just a game." And real life happens. And now it's happening to Lex... And we have games tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday... And it won't be easy as make no mistake, Those Gloversville German's (i.e Herrlett's) are tough customers in more ways than one! And his sisters Rita and Johann, brother John, and most importantly his dad and Oma's husband of 54 years will all have their thoughts on the matter heard loud and clear... And again, yeah, "it's just a game" comes up over and over in the pontifications of any such circumstance...
Until upon deeper pondering and understanding by only those of us who can relate to the idea we are most at peace, most ourselves, and most loved (or hated) ~ only one place... Between the Lines... Johann is now between the lines that really count and Godspeed to one of the most fun, welcoming, family oriented ladies I have ever met... And Lex is still here for us all to embrace, if we shall...
I don't even know if he is playing tonight or not as yet, it's still raw and evolving... He doesn't even know... But more than just a welcomed distraction for him if he does, it is the place where he feels most like "Lex," alive and at peace... Getting comfort just being between the lines... Those brief fleeting moments is all any of us can reasonably expect from this short time we spend here agonizing over whatever it is we choose to do so over... And no matter what Lex decides tonight, tomorrow, the rest of this year ~ we ironically met between the lines, and we will go out together between the lines together... Winning or losing doesn't even hold a candle stick to the fire inside at this time and it is much as the good Dr Brown so effortlessly stated ~ "savor the moments" like these between the lines... Because yeah, none of us knows when we get called to pinch hit in the big game of life and up to the bat we each shall walk to face the Big Guy and the AB of our life that really counts... And this is far more than "just a game" to all of us who get that... Like Lex...
Godspeed "Oma," until we meet again, between the lines... Please pray for comfort for all of Lex's family, but especially his dad as Lex had never seen his tough old German dad cry... And now he can't stop... And it's ok... Even good... But please pray... Suit up, show up, pray up... And get between the damn lines!
-- Edited by Marcus Aurelius on Thursday 18th of May 2017 07:54:09 AM
-- Edited by Marcus Aurelius on Thursday 18th of May 2017 08:46:30 AM
So sorry to hear the news Lex! I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Oma. She was truly "old school" and had a huge heart, and surely will be missed by all who knew her. Though we know that being done with the fight against the big C is a good thing, being here on this Earth without your Mother for the first time will be just awful. Martina and I will pray for you and your family to come to peace with this and bring back all of the memories of the good times. She was always extremely proud of you and your brother. She is looking over both of you from above now, and is at peace, with no more pain. I owe you one big hug, next time we meet. Godspeed Oma!
My condolences, Lex. Obviously, I haven't been on the site in awhile and just getting this sad news. Never forget the good times and the example she set as a mom, friend, neighbor. jk
