Well Monday was a very exciting day. Sitting after finishing my blog, we had some uninvited guest make their way onto our balcony. I was searching on the web, when a black bear walked right past the door and window. I was so in a state of shock, I couldn’t let the others know what I was seeing. After it sauntered past the door it became apparent that it was a mother bear as following right behind her was a couple of cubs.
They made themselves right at home and we did not bother them or let them know that they were trespassing. In all reality they were not trespassing as we are the ones that have invaded their domain. So we let them enjoy the deck and let them take their sweet time until they made up their own minds when they were going to leave. It wasn’t that long that they came to the conclusion there was nothing around for them to stay. We were able to get pictures and video to document the event.
Later that night was another exciting moment as we sat and watched the Chicago Blackhawks take home their second Stanley Cup in the past four seasons. As the game went on and time was winding down the thought of a game 7 was becoming evident. I am not one to give up on my team, or the game of hockey in general. It is such a fast game that anything could happen in the blink of an eye, almost literally. With Just over a minute left the Hawks, as most teams will do, pulled the goalie for an extra skater, giving them a man advantage. Very risky and as my wife would often state, makes no sense. The Hawks were able to score with a beautiful pass from behind the net by the Captain Jonathon Toews. The pass found the stick of Bryan Bickell, who placed the puck between the legs of the Boston goalie Tuukka Rask and into the back of the net. The room exploded in jubilation and utter shock that the Blackhawks tied it with just over a minute and we would still have a chance to win in overtime.
But as I stated earlier the game could change in a heartbeat. We hoped we would not have to endure the stress, agony, frustration, or nervousness of overtime. Perhaps we would end up losing after coming back to tie the game.
For just 17 seconds after the Hawks made us jump off our seats and scream with excitement, they finalized it, and sealed it. They made it possible to bring Lord Stanley back home. Dave Bolland took a rebound off the post and put the puck right back into the Boston net. We all screamed and were all in a state of wonderment. I had to remind myself of the fact there was still 58 seconds left. An eternity in the game of hockey. For it was just in the last series against the Los Angeles Kings that I was once again reminded with the speed of the game anything can happen.
In game 4 there was 11 seconds left when the Kings tied the game. The Hawks went on to win and as you have been reading, made it all the way to bring the Stanley Cup back to the Windy City. What a great day in the Smoky Mountains. Not only did I get to see some of God’s creatures, I also got to see my favorite team win a championship surrounded by family and friends. Wow, I am so blessed.
Small side note: All season long my wife and I would share our excitement with my sister and her family. We watched as many playoff games together as our schedules would allow. Unfortunately, with us being on vacation we could not share in this game when they won it all. Through text and FaceTime we were able to share in the joy somewhat. So again I am so blessed.
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