Saturday night my son, Jimmy, and I, and several friends went to the opening Wizards basketball game. It’s been awhile. But, I have to tell you how I felt about being there because it is quite emotional for me.
And other feelings, as well.
First, the idea of my having to show someone a ticket to get into the building…..WHAT? As we drove up the huge garage door and someone asked me who I was, I said, “I built this building!”
Of course, he couldn’t know that (it has been awhile since we sold the building), but that is quite a different greeting than when we drove up and everyone saluted with “Here comes Verizon One and Verizon Two.” That’s what security called my husband, Abe, and me….I was “Verizon Two” which I loved.
We still parked inside the building next to the ice hockey nets and other paraphernalia in the backstage area but people said, “Hello” without the usual hugs and handshakes. As we walked down the long corridor leading to the elevator which would take us upstairs to the Owner’s Suite, we passed the Celtics stretching and I recognized some of the older players, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. I said, “Hello” to Pierce.
I have so many memories of all of the times we spent with Red Auerbach and the stories he loved to tell.
This world of the NBA and pro sports is still so much a part of me, forty-six years!
…Baltimore, ten years…
…Largo, twenty-five years….
….And now, Verizon Center.
I know every corner of the building because I worked on so much of it. But, I could go on and on, and maybe, I will at some future time. …Even the professionalism of the “Dance Team.”
Anyway, you get the idea.
It was great to be there, wish Ted Leonsis good luck for the coming season, and then go home, relaxed….I don’t have to worry about the next trade!
From the Heart 