Hats off to Berry Boy....

The Berry Queen's oldest son, Berry Boy, had to have a minor surgery this morning. I met up with him for a brief minute at the Children's Hospital to lend a hug and say hello. Unfortunately, my hugs and greetings weren't that wanted by the doctor, who glared at me and promptly slammed the door shut in my face. Hmph.

Clearly, that man is not aware that I have known Berry Boy since he was born. That Berry Boy has thrown up on me more times in his lifetime than either of us can count; that he was the baby I learned how to change diapers on; that he has been there for me for some of the most momentous occasions in my young life; that I have been there for some of his. (Although, I regret to say that I had to miss his first steps. I do hope, however, to make up for this by being there for his first son's steps. Many, Many years from now.)

Berry Boy, along with his older sister Berry Girl, and his two youngest siblings, are some of the most well behaved, loving, attractive, studious, hardworking children I know. They are absolutely lovely additions to any berry season, and because of these children, I recommend childbearing to all my friends.

So, hats off to you, Berry Boy, for making it through a really rough day, with a smile and a brave face; with hugs and hellos to your favorite field manager; with no hollering, screaming, or carrying on heard from the waiting room; and with your usual charm and flair for making things the way only you can make them.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery so that some day soon, you can be bringing me cold cans of coke to the field for our afternoon jam sessions during berry season.

Toonses