Hardy Boys at The Cubs!

Kenneth, Greg and Awsumb at Wrigley Field

Kenneth really hoped to go to one last Cub's game with his father last year when he was diagnosed with cancer.  We checked schedules and talked about plans.  But Duane was anxious to start treatment. By the end of the season Kenneth started saying "maybe next spring" though we both realized that he probably wouldn't make it past Christmas.  After Duane's passing Kenneth's focus changed to going to a Cub's game and creating new father and son memories with his own son, Awsumb.

Soo when we started making plans to go to Omaha to spend time with Shirley and her parents, just like Duane would do whenever possible, Kenneth tacked on plans for us to catch a game.  The whole trip was so last minute.  And Kenneth didn't even finalize any kind of Chicago plans until a week before we were supposed to fly out.  When called to check in with his mother he was surprised to learn she was already in Omaha.  And that she had driven out with Greg and her sister Cindy.  Kenneth then told his mother of his plans to spend a few days in Chicago and invited Greg to come along with us.  Awsumb was very excited about sharing and making memories with Uncle Greg.

The drive through Iowa was uneventful.  And much longer than expected.  We stopped at the Amana Colonies which are nothing more than a tourist stop these days.  After a late dinner we finally checked into our hotel.

Saturday morning we all woke up early and took the L to Wrigley Field.  It was windy and the weather was threatening us with thunderstorms.  We spent an hour or so checking out the shops and vendors and were among the first few people in line when the stadium opened.  Wrigley is such an amazing stadium. Mostly because although the team never wins the stadium is filled for each game.  And without all the jumbotrons and modern screens the fan experience if focused more on the game.  We had OK seats on the left field down the 3rd baseline.  I think Kenneth and I have sat in that same section before. It's hard to buy tickets to a stadium you aren't totally familiar with.  Because the stands are deeper and lower as apposed to steep, if you sit on a front aisle it's often hard to see over all the people walking by.  But it was OK and everyone was just excited to be at the game.

As we were walking over to get Awsumb his "First Time at The Cubs" certificate he was invited to stand in the "kids corral"  right on the field!  Apparently often the Cubs will come over and sign a few balls to kids in that area.  The morning had been raining so their was no on field practice.  But a few of the Braves players came over and Awsumb scored a few autographs and a photo.  By the time the game started it was a beautiful blue sky day!  Although still super hot and muggy!

Greg and Awsumb found the new Cubs Mascot, Clark

Awsumb's first Chicago Dog!  He loved it!

After the game Awsumb scurried over to the dugout in hopes of catching a ball or scoring some autographs.  The security guard passed out official sunflower seeds from the dugout to the kids that were waiting.

Finally we shopped around the outside of the stadium and that night all slept snug in our little beds!

The next day we started even earlier. The boys woke up to find the Cubs Fairy (A.K.A. Wendy) had left them matching Cubs shirts.  Another quick trip on the L. in time to be among the first kids in the stadium to score an Etch-A-Sketch give away.  Awsumb was first in line at the main gate!  We also wanted to be part of the first 1000 kids to get a bracelet reserving a spot to run the bases after the game.  The usher from the day before remembered Awsumb and invited him again into the "kids corral."  Ernie Banks (an old time Cub player) came over to give the kids come instruction.  Just before he left the lady with him took Awsumb's marker so he could sign his ball and then he turned away to move onto the next group of media waiting for him.  So close to an autographed ball!  But fun anyway.

rigley Field is celebrating 100 years so each home stand they celebrate a different decade and wear throw back uniforms.  This weekend was the 60's.  Love those stripes! So fun to make it to Wrigley during the anniversary!  And before the proposed improvements to add a big screen and other such modern expectations of major league fields.

This time we sat on the first base line.  Not too many rows above the Braves dugout. Perfect seats!  And we even had shade for most of the game, which was great because I am pretty much turn into a lobster in any amount of direct sunlight.  After a super exciting game the Braves won (no surprise).

Both games the seat next to us was left empty.  For such a full stadium it was something to take note and everyone commented that Duane was present with us.

(insert Awsumb running bases video)

Awsumb and Greg went over to line up for the kids run the bases event.  Awsumb was among the last of the kids in line so we waited quite a while for him to come out.  Always the considerate boy he is, he got a slow start making sure not to knock over any of the little kids.  But he picked it up for the end!  Awsumb is so anxious to be grown up.  He has always been 3 going on 30.  But sometimes it's good to still be considered a little kid. How fun to get to participate in the kids run the bases event!

After another long day we went back to the hotel for dinner and the Kenneth taught Greg and Awsumb a new card game.  I surprised the boys with some ice cream sundaes while they were playing and took some time to myself.

Magnificent Mile 

Monday morning the boys decided they were too exhausted to do much of anything.  Going to a movie sounded like a fun idea so after breakfast the boys headed to the theater while I packed us up.  Our flights didn't leave until later that evening so we drove through Chicago and ended up at the Field Museum and Alder Planetarium.  Kenneth and I had scoped it out before as an idea to spend the day there before the boys decided on a movie.  We decided not to do a run through since it was so late in the day at this point and had lunch at the cafeteria and took pictures of the Chicago Cityscape.  Awsumb and I always bring his little pocket kite alone with us on these sorts of adventures and had fun trying to get it in the air. The windy city wasn't so windy that day!

(Kite and Chicago pictures)

We had such an enjoyable trip to visit Kenneth's Grandparents and are thankful to Shirley for making this happen.  Spending time with Greg was an added bonus.  Awsumb has a special connection with Greg and we were happy to include him as part of our little family for the weekend.

At the airport we said our goodbyes and after delays with both flights we all made it home safe and sound.  Us to Seattle, Greg to SLC.



THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

Maybe Next Year?

Awsumb was excited to play two teams this season.  Majors Braves and 50/70 Cubs.  It was exhausting and who would have ever thought we would think something was too much baseball.  This sure came close.  Awsumb had a lot of success on the 50/70 team and was excited to play with old friends and teammates on the Braves.

 When Awsumb was just a toddler in the afternoons he would sometimes ask to watch baseball. He didn't really watch much kids TV after a few morning shows so the afternoon request was always granted. In the afternoons the games that we often found to watch were Braves games.  Awsumb would get so excited pointing out the A's on their hats and say, "My team Mommy! My team!"  Then he would watch closely and as the pitch was thrown he would yell to the batter, "SWING!"  My brother Brian and his wife reside in Atlanta.  Awsumb was very excited to play for the braves as his Little League Majors team.

This past year Little League introduced a new level, 50/70.  Our league convinced Kenneth to get out league started in this level and coach a team this year.  As the league uniform coordinator I set aside some Cubs uniforms for the new team.  It was slow going and a bit of a bad news bears years as we had so many double rostered kids and just putting a team together every game was a lot of work.  But you have to start somewhere.  Hopefully all the kinks are worked out and next year will be pretty good!  Awsumb and Kenneth were excited to play and coach the cubs in honor of Duane's passing.

I didn't get many pictures this season as I was recovering from emergency surgery I had at the beginning of April.  But here are a few...
(coming soon...)

PUT ME IN COACH!
 I'm ready to play today!
Look at me, I can be
Centerfield
-John Forgerty

The Letter

Dennis Awsumb, Duane Hardy,

Little Awsumb and Kenneth Hardy

October 2006 Awsumb's 5th Birthday

 Mariner's Dugout

Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington

 

When we first learned that Duane was sick my father was among the first to invite us to come stay at his home anytime at a moments notice so that we could visit and spend time with the Hardy family during what he knew would be a tough next so many months. 

During this time my father was very busy and traveling lot. He didn't want to intrude and didn't know what he could do.  And in the end Duane went pretty fast. 

Kenneth and I grew up just 2 streets apart and our families went way back and our fathers had always been friends.  Our little brothers played ball together.  Our fathers played church sports together.  They also served together in the church clerk's office.

So when we drove out for the funeral my father told me he really wanted to share some things with Shirley but didn't know if he could be composed enough to do it. My reply, "Say it in a Hallmark."  The next morning he left specially selected cards out for Kenneth and Shirley that included the letter below.

This past few weeks many people have been especially kind to us, sharing cards, flowers, plants or asking where they could send a donation or simply a hug and an "I'm sorry."  But this letter has touched us all the most and I will keep it as a treasure for my son to have to remember that his Grandfathers were friends and both loved him very much.  I hope Awsumb learns from both of our fathers about commitment, working hard and their sacrifice and service to our country.  This letter encompassed so much of what Duane meant to all of us and Kenneth's family even decided it needed to be read during his memorial service.

Kenneth and I are so blessed to have grown up with such outstanding fathers!

So with my father's permission, the letter:

Duane Taught Me Many Things

Duane taught me to be passionate about many things - whatever Duane was doing he gave it his full attention. If Duane was playing ball or doing finance work for the Church it was the only thing that mattered at the time.

Duane taught me to never give up.  If we were playing softball and were down by 10 runs Duane would say we are still in this and many times we would win the game.

Duane taught me to never wear glasses in the ocean.  Once when we were in California he lost his glasses in the ocean, from that day on I never wore my glasses in the ocean.

Duane taught me to be helpful to other people.  Many times he would figure out a way to help a neighbor in need either by doing the task himself or finding someone else that could help.

Duane taught me to always be the first one "there."  Duane always liked to be at the opening day of any event - like a Bees or Trappers game.  I enjoy to this day going to things on the opening day.

Duane taught me to never run up a score on another team. Once at a BYU football game BYU was way behind and the other team kept scoring.  Duane said, "LaVell Edwards would never do that."  So I try to never run up a score on anybody.

Duane taught me to see into the future.  When a ball diamond was being built behind the church Duane was always the first one to sign up to work on the field, whether to rake the rocks or lay the sod.  As we raked those rocks and laid the sod, Duane would say, "This will be a great ball field some day."

Duane taught me to always support my wife.  Duane and Shirley had many different interests from each other and supported each other in those interests.

Duane taught me to love my kids no matter what. Duane was always interested and proud of each of his children's interests and accomplishments.

Duane taught me to plan ahead - we spent time together in the ward clerk's office planning how to get Wendy and Kenneth to go out with each other - it was one of the best things we did as a team.  As a result we share a wonderful grandson.

Duane taught me many things - I will miss that guy.

-Dennis Awsumb

Duane H. Howard

 Duane Howard Hardy

1947 ~ 2013

Duane Howard Hardy, age 66, born 14 May 1947, passed away Oct. 29, 2013 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He wanted to live with all his heart and was willing to take the toughest of treatment if it would give him another day on earth with his family and friends.

He was born in Salt Lake City to Howard and Eunice Hardy. After graduating from Granite High School in 1965, he served an LDS mission to England. Upon return home, he attended the University of Utah for one year prior to enlisting in the US Air Force in May of 1969. He met his wife Shirley Ann Wallace while she was attending BYU. They were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple 29 June 1970.

He served in Vietnam from Oct. 1970 to Oct. 1971. He was very patriotic throughout his life. Upon discharge from the Air Force he attended BYU, graduating in 1977 with a degree in journalism. He re-enlisted in the Air National Guard and served until retirement at age 60. He retired from the State of Utah May 30th of 2013.

He was passionate about family, traveling, sports, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; sons, Kenneth (Wendy), Gregory, Eric (Shilo) and 7 grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Ron (Marilyn), Laraine (Larry), Brent (Lynette), and Grant (Connie).


This obit ran in the Saturday Deseret News, which included a BYU add directly underneath!  The Hardy boys got a big kick out of that!

Hit One For Me And Just Keep Running!

Advice Grandpa Hardy gave to Awsumb in May 2013.  Duane was a great example of this...  And I hope Awsumb remembers this forever.  Most importantly that in baseball when you get a hit, you have to just put your head down and start running. There not time to stand there and watch the ball.  And you waste time by watching said ball.  The goal it to put your head down and just run as fast as you can to first base... because that is when you are "in the game."

I am not sure if Grandpa Hardy knew this... but it's sometime we have been nagging Awsumb about since T-ball.  He just can't let that ball go without keeping an eye on it and often will loose a spot on base because he didn't just put that head down and run as fast as he could, get to first base, then see where how the play, plays out.  Sure there are times to look back, times to take a break and absorb what it happening at the moment. There are also times to look ahead.  But there are many times we need to just hit that ball and keep on running!

Twins On Three!

 

Every year Kenneth coaches Awsumb's little league team. What this really means is that because his father is the coach rather than being favored, often Awsumb is often a bit neglected.  Kenneth often focuses his time working with other kids who are either struggling or who may be all-stars, but need some other type of guidance or direction.  In the end it's something they do together, rain or shine (because in the northwest we don't cancel baseball for rain unless the field is in danger of being ruined) and I hope that many of his happiest childhood memories are playing ball with his father. 

 

So the story behind the above photo....

This year at school health class ended with sex education.  Lots of "fun" ice breaking activities sent home by the teachers - OH MY!  Actually the staff at his school did a great job and I am super pleased with how things all meshed with the message we also were trying to give him here at home regarding this topic.  None the less, Kenneth still found much of the discussions to be quite awkward.  After on particularly awkward discussion Kenneth announced,

 

"Good talk son...

Let's never have it again! 

Twins on Three!"

 as the threw out a fist bump to Awsumb.  Lovely he just told our son not to come to us with such questions... when in reality we hope that we can be available with accurate information and guidance at anytime.  But really, I do think this line of communication has been opened and hopefully he will feel free to come to us at anytime. 

 

Little Slugger 

 

A nickname that I am not sure if he will ever grow out of, our Little Awsumb, or Little Slugger is growing up!  As team mom I am always in charge of uniforms. Actually this past two years I have been serving as the league Uniform Coordinator.  Which means I get to order, sort through and gather any uniforms that we reuse at the end of the year. It's a fun job!  No really, I love it and it's afforded us first pick at the team choices, which has been a fun perk.  In fact this next year I have secured the Cubs for our final Majors season.

 

Anyway, I learned quickly that the best way to distribute uniforms before the kids start freaking out over what numbers are available is to just line them up smallest to tallest and pass them out accordingly.  This means that Awsumb always gets to be #1.  Which is fun for him because he was born in 2001.  This season we did have one little brother on our team who is a spectacular athlete so he "played up" to our level.  Thought he was technically smaller than Awsumb I thought maybe giving that little guy #1 might be a slap in the face to his older brother, who is just now decided after all these years baseball might be a little fun, if he can play with his best friends anyways...So once again, Awsumb was #1.  We'll see if I can keep it going his last year?

 

 

And not to brag, but not only is Kenneth the best coach in our league who always tries best to balance being fair and having fun with winning... I am a spectacular coaches wife.  Thank goodness the years of wiping noses in the dugout are over... And the skill level of the boys has moved beyond what I can really do to help them out during practices.  But I still do the most simply awesome parties and I always try to get someone who is a hobby photographer to help me get enough good shots to make a full set of baseball cards for all the kids on the team.