Journals

      As reported in my stream of consciousness journal entry on the 2008 World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies completed their dream season and captured the ever-elusive ring symbolizing drunken euphoria and pandemonium throughout the city - the first time the city could celebrate a world championship since 1983.  Yes, the long wait is finally over.   98 seasons combined for the four franchises in Philly sports without a championship banner raised above the heads of their adoring fans - they must wait no longer.  At last, may this city shed the label of a heartless town of grumpy losers.  On Friday the parade will roll through center city, down Broad Street and end at Citizens Bank Park just a few blocks from where my grandmother has lived for over 40 years.  She is now 91, but still able to cheer on the sports teams in the city she loves and calls home.  I swear, I get teary-eyed just writing that.  I really hope people from around the country, sports fans or not, can come away with the magnitude of this occasion.  As I have written before, this is much more than just a simple victory - this is a chance to celebrate a team that truly came to embody the toughness and grit of the city it plays in. Let the celebration begin.