One of the more comforting things in life is to know you're not alone in the world. That out there on this big ball of dirt, there's someone, somewhere who shares something in common with you. While shopping with Marathon Girl this weekend, I learned that in fact I am not alone. My life now has purpose and meaning.
Why?
I saw someone wearing a Detroit Tiger baseball hat.
Least you don't understand the subtleties of Major League Baseball, people don't just walk around wearing Detroit Tiger hats. The Tigers often rank up there with the Devil Rays or the Rockies in terms of respectability. In the eyes of many, wearing a Tiger hat it's the equivalent of walking around with a big L on your forehead.
I first noticed this guy in the parking lot and pointed him out to Marathon Girl. (Marathon Girl didn't seem to think this was such a big deal.)
As luck would have it, we ended up shopping in the same store.
About halfway through the shopping trip our paths crossed. Our eyes met then immediately went to our respective baseball caps.
No words needed to be exchanged. Just a quick nod to one another in realization that, yes, there are other Tiger fans out there that share in the same pain and confusion each night when we see that the Tigers have suffered yet another setback or made another bonehead move.
So if you see me with a smile on my face, you'll know why.
I am not alone.
I can now die a happy man.