Moonlightaholics

My dad just told me a cool story that instantly made me think of this story and "All Hallows' Fright."

In 1946 when he was 12 years old, he went to visit his much older sister in New York City. While she was at work one day, he got onto the train and went to Ebbets Field and saw a baseball game. One of his favorite players was Stan Musial, and after the game he bought a baseball and took it to the locker room to ask Stan to sign it. Not only did he get an autograph, but he also got a good half hour of chat and baseball tips! (My dad played catcher at the time, for the church league.) I don't think the autographed baseball was ever worth very much in dollars, but my dad still has that baseball and he still treasures it 75 years later. Even more than that, he treasures the memory of that conversation. Seems like there was something really magical about baseball for boys of that era, which is captured so wonderfully in your stories.

The autograph seeking instantly made me think of Josef getting Mick's card signed, and the way my dad feels about his treasure totally made me think of Mick .... both the ten year Mick from the first story and the much older Mick from the second!

Now I'll just have to read both the stories again, with that in mind.

Oh, man, I love it when Mick and Josef talk to you. This is just a lovely story. Introspective Josef can be really hard to pull off, but you nailed him. And the snarky things he says are perfect-- as is the heartfelt offer to Mick of the card with no strings.

And I really love the fact that Mick told Josef to keep it. I think he's happy knowing it's been safe and well cared for all this time... and also that he can visit it any time he wants.

Sigh... I really love the two stories in combination. They are such great companions (as are M and J)!

Loved rereading both stories. Your Mick and Josef are spot on!

I bet after this reveal, Mick went home and took out his silver dollar. Just to hold it and remember.

I do love this story as a collector it really resonates with me and I'm glad Mick has peace over it now.

Lilly,
Your writing has always been so rich - and this is no exception. I really do enjoy your stories.

I just saw this for the first time today. Shame on me for not stopping by more often.