Jessica Belmosto

The Boston Red Sox had their home opener today. Fenway Park was filled with fans cheering as they received their World Series rings. There were some special guests in attendance today. Manny Ramirez made an appearance at Fenway Park this afternoon. Watching him talk and hang out with David Ortiz and Alex Cora brought me back to my childhood.

Manny was up in the NESN booth during the game. He said something that stopped me in my tracks. “As you get older, you realize you aren’t supposed to take those little things for granted.” While Manny was reflecting on his time as a Red Sox player, I stopped and thought about my life.

I’m very guilty of taking things for granted. I used think that my dad would always be able to take me to baseball games. I didn’t realize that one summer they’d just stop. Some of my favorite memories are at Camden Yards with my dad. I remember taking peanuts from the lady behind me and my dad was not happy. The whole, “don’t take food from a stranger.” role slipped my mind. There was a game at Citizens Bank Park that I think about every Forth of July. The Phillies were playing the Padres. It was the fifth of July but they were still going to do fireworks postgame. My dad held me close as we watched the fireworks. I remember looking up and he was crying. I was confused. They’re just fireworks. What is there to cry about? Looking back now, I know that he knew these moments weren’t going to last forever.

My dad was my best friend growing up. We played catch together and he taught me how to pitch. I remember coming home from school, dropping my bag and grabbing my glove. We’d drive to the fields and do drills for an hour or so. There was something else that was pretty important to us. Taylor Swift was introduced to us when I was going through a very hard time. I was being bullied and her music helped me through those days. My dad always had one of her CDs in rotation for our car rides. Our rides were filled with singing along and talking about seeing her in concert. There was always that distant hope that we’d get to meet her someday. Twelve years ago, I never would’ve thought those rides were going to mean the world to me. Back in July we got to meet Taylor. I spilled my heart out to her and she got to hear all about the car rides and our trip to Nashville to see her. It was a culmination of smaller moments that lead up to the big one meaning so much more.

I’ve had a lot of moments where I wish I hugged someone a little tighter or maybe kissed them a little longer. There’s one day I will never forget. I picked someone up after they called me for a ride. Without any hesitation, I got in my car and went. The car ride home was filled with us singing some of our favorite songs. He turned to me and sang Tequila by Dan and Shay. I go back to that moment the second I hear the opening cords. I rolled my eyes too many times that night. We both said things we might not have meant but that night is one I wish I could go back to time and time again.

My parents have always done so much for me. They’ve provided a wonderful life for my brother and I. Our vacations to Maine and New Hampshire were a staple in my childhood. Even if my parents weren’t together, they worked together to provide a great life for us. Looking back on it, I recognize the sacrifices they made for us. Even now my mom will go without to make sure my brother have what we need.

I could write a novel on how many moments I’ve taken for granted. From sitting in Papa’s kitchen to being with friends; it really is the little things. Everyday brings us something to be grateful for. As we all grow older, it’s important to hold onto those memories.