Jul
12
2012

The Mets And The Healing Process

An article by Sean Kenny

Just to clarify from the start, this article does not involve Ray Ramirez, Hospital For Special Surgery, Jack Kevorkian or any other medically related field. This is more a personal piece correlating to my own variety of personal issues over the last month. If you’ve read this disclaimer and still intend to read it, I thank you in advance.

June 17th, 2012 I attended the Mets 3-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Father’s Day with my father. We walked the stadium, took in the sights, overpaid for food and drinks, and enjoyed a nice day out at the park. Upon returning home, the usual questions were asked by my mother. Who were the Mets playing, what was the final score and where did we sit. Despite telling her the answers, every other time I’d still answer and explain more. The final count may have wound up around five times, with her final response after all of my exertion being “Oh, that sucks that they lost”. That was the last time my mother would ask me about the New York Mets. She knew I loved the Mets, and just by knowing I loved the Mets she asked questions to attempt to care. My mother would pass away the next day, Monday, June 18th at 8:10 A.M. of a sudden heart attack. Just as a season for one team kept rising, my own personal team, my family took a loss akin to the Beltran curveball (we forgive you Carlos, but still…you have to swing.)

The next day I was crushed and devastated, as to be expected – but despite all of this, at 7:03 P.M. on Monday, June 18th I sat down to watch the Mets game actively crying, to the point where sight itself was virtually impossible. Other than my undying care and concern for the team, I was still confused why I was watching the game in a time like this.

After some semblance of composing myself, a thought dawned upon me. I was watching the game and paying attention because my mother would call me at some point in the day under normal circumstances to know the score and who was winning. I was watching the game because I was hoping she would be able to ask me the score, and even if she couldn’t, she’d know I was thinking about her. That would probably be the most composed moment I would have for the rest of the night, even crying through the Ike Davis sixth inning grand slam, beginning the end of his personal slide.

I watched the 5-0 win against the Orioles, from first pitch to last pitch and watched R.A. Dickey throw his second straight one-hit complete game shutout, with a season high 13 strikeouts. At that point, I just thought it was a hell of a game. Looking back, I realized this was by far the best overall game R.A. Dickey pitched the entire season, only giving up a lofted single in the fifth inning to journeyman Wilson Betemit.

Since that point, as much as my job, personal life and other assorted issues have occurred, I have tried to watch every Mets game, from start to finish. Not only for the sake of my curiosity and ability to live and be crushed vicariously through the Mets, but because it is what my mother would’ve wanted. One day, despite however unrealistic I will be waiting for the phone call when she asks me five times, who the Mets played and what the score was.

If you have read this far, Thank you. For everyone who sent their condolences from both the MMO staff as well as the readership and even fellow Mets bloggers, Lets go Mets.

R.I.P. Shirley Kenny (3/30/55 – 6/18/12)

About the Author: Sean Kenny

Sean Kenny is a student/writer currently attending school at the City College of New York. For more Mets news, notes and thoughts follow him on twitter @TheSeanKenny

15 Comments + Add Comment

keepingthefaith July 12, 2012 at 10:34 am

My condolences to you and your family Sean. Touching story to say the least, keep faith and be strong man!
Des July 12, 2012 at 10:35 am

Sean, you’ve told a wonderful, heart-touching story. May your mom Shirley rest in peace knowing she raised a very caring son. Though she lived only fifty seven plus years, she accomplished much, as any witness to your narrative would attest. God bless you and your mom.
srt July 12, 2012 at 10:42 am

My sincere and deepest sympathies to you and your family, Sean.

Baseball has that pure quality to have wonderful memories that can tie a family together. It’s no wonder it’s dubbed America’s favorite pastime.

May your Mom rest in peace.
sarge69 July 12, 2012 at 10:50 am

My condolences to you and your family Sean.
Mr North Jersey July 12, 2012 at 10:55 am

1st off my condolences once again Sean. As is the case when anyone writes something from the heart this was a moving post Sean. Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your life with us.
Anie July 12, 2012 at 11:30 am

Sean, I am in tears as I finish reading your comments. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
I send you a big hug and hope it comforts you knowing strangers and MET fans share in your sorrow.
Anie
Kay July 12, 2012 at 12:12 pm

God Bless you Sean, and my prayers with you and your family. An article like this puts a everything into perspective about our beloved Mets. It goes far beyond the day to day articles, but sometimes it can be as simple as a conduit between ourselves and loved ones.
Paul Festa July 12, 2012 at 1:41 pm

Beautifully written – my parents and I talk about the Mets so often, I don’t know how I will react when their time comes. Probably much the same.

My deepest condolences.
Sallie Marsh July 12, 2012 at 3:33 pm

Sean – You have my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. Thank you for sharing this experience with us and know that we are a Mets family and will always stick together! Your article is not only heartfelt but demonstrates how a love for a team can deeply impact our lives and bring a family together. I know your mom is looking down from heaven at you beaming with pride and rooting for our beloved Mets.

I was an absolute pleasure meeting you on Shea Bridge last week and I hope there are many more to come to build on our Mets family.
Danielle July 12, 2012 at 6:31 pm

Ecxellent article little bro, mom would be proud, I am. Love you
DaveUpstateNY July 12, 2012 at 6:58 pm

Beautiful. It’s what memories are made of. It makes them even better.
Lyra July 12, 2012 at 11:22 pm

Such a beautiful piece. She’s looking down on you and proud. Again I’m so sorry for your loss. May she rest in eternal peace and although she isn’t here physically you should still update her on your beloved team.
TRACY ODONNELL July 13, 2012 at 9:36 pm

THAT WAS SO NICE SUCH SMALL QUESTION “WHATS THE SCORE AND WHO IS WINNING ‘ CAN HAVE SUCH AN INPACT IN YOUR LIFE MY HEART IS WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Misty Pacheco July 13, 2012 at 9:49 pm

Absolutely beautiful… My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. On a lighter note, let’s go Mets.
Patricia (Trish) Rodriguez July 18, 2012 at 6:53 pm

Well said Sean, Keep watching the met games knowing shes right beside you.. I know your Mom since 1978 and we were the best of Friends for many years. I know she was a great Mother and loved you very much.Oh by the way have you ever concidered becoming a journalist. Your very gifted with your writing..IM thinking Sports Journalist..Anyway I love you and if you need me im still on 49st. and my # is in Moms book.PS Love and miss you Shirl,Friends till the end and beyondxoxoxoxoxoxTrish

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