Many of you know of our amazing trip to the Superbowl 4 years ago.... one of the most amazing things I'll ever experience in my lifetime. All because of HopeJ. She lives her Big Blue.
in a conversation we had after she got out of church and spoke with Chris Strahan... FAITH! we should all have faith. Chris is Micheal's brother. This after they beat the packers.
that never meeting and getting to know Hope was one of the bigger disappointments in my life. Her passing moved me to tears even though I only knew her through her posts on this site,and through the stories from people here.
That said, my sadness is tempered by the legacy she has left, and the good deeds done in her name.
God still allows her to touch lives, even from heaven.
Ronnie... today makes me sad. I miss her. I was so happy to see you Â
back from the middle east after that win. The superbowl win didnt even matter because this great person.. ronnie... was back home safe. I didnt even have Eli sign my hat. I was more concerned with having a glass of champagne with you. :)
When I heard of Hope's passing, I was in Afghanistan. I called Tomi immediately because I needed someone to lean on at that moment. It was hard accepting that such a precious being could be taken from us so young.
Berry...I can't even imagine the heartache and loss you must have endured. But you were blessed with having her in your life as a true friend, and there is nothing that can ever take that away from you...:)
brings a smile to my face. Most of us could only hope to somehow touch 1/100th of the lives she has touched. I truly am blessed for somehow having met and known her, if only for a few moments.
I miss her too.
for your loss. It's obvious from the stories told here that Hope meant a lot to a lot of people.
And this might sound a little corny, but seeing the outpouring of sorrow (and love) when Hope passed away and hearing how she touched the lives of everyone she met, and many she didn't ever meet personally made me want to be a better person.
It made me think of how I'd be remembered, and I'm not close to being like Hope, not many are, but I believe I'm a better person for having known her, even anonymously, on BBI and knowing a lot of you who have recounted the stories and deeds.
I never met Hope as you know but to be honest I feel like I do know a part of her form You, Larry, Ronnie....the one thing I can say is that I know why Hope loved you so much Berry....and I have told you before, YOU are REALLY someone very special and I am honored by your friendship...Larry that goes for you too pal!!!
I completely agree about Berry...but I wouldn't go that far regaring Larry. That jerk still demands cookies from me and doesn't even ask nicely!...;). HI LARRY!!!
Midn, you are also one of the really special people!! Â
They'll be back home before the Super Bowl though.
It's been rough...I was traveling for work all week, so I haven't seen either of my ladies since Sunday. And Ella recently had a bout with stomach virus...she's doing ok now, but we were pretty worried about her hydration level.
Thanks for always being a positive and upstanding guy, Bert. Not everyone can be nice to Brett, but you always are...;). HI BRETT!!!
I can only imagine how she would have adopted Victor Cruz.
I had the privilege to talk to Hope on the phone, she was a doll.. I know she made the game happen 2 weeks ago
I have been thinking about the picture that Berry has of her and Hope at SB42 I hope she posts it here..
my sister in law died this past summer in Germany, they went and I had to stay behind..by day 3 I was a lunatic, I realized that my wife and kids are my calming stabilizer in my life...
We are blessed to be part of this family of Giants fans...from the owners to the players to the fans....I feel a part of it all from far a way. Cheers!
Every year her company always had a conference of some sort in Nashville. She would e-mail me ahead of time and we would have our "annual" visit full of funny stories and NY Giant talk. First it was just my wife and I driving down to Nashville for our yearly Hope visits, then as the years went by we had children and we would all go.
I remember one time she had the idea we should go to the hotel where the Titans were staying the night before a game, just to see Kerry Collins. We were both big fans of Kerry and she thought we should tell him how much he had meant to us during his time with the Giants.
Well we hung around that hotel for hours, probably making fools of ourselves having fun, waiting for the team to leave the meeting rooms and head up to their individual rooms. When they finally did, I think most of the Titans came by, but Kerry went up to the rooms some back way. So our quest was lost, but we had a lot of fun, and a real nice visit. I am glad I spent those hours waiting around with her that night because that ended up being the last of our "yearly" visits. I have some real nice pictures of all of us from that night that I keep near my desk. They make me smile when I look at them.
Only met Hope
River Mike : 7:47 am
a few times, at camp and on a business trip to the DC area. That was enough to cement her in my heart as a very special person. She helped me though a rough time in my life. She is missed.
And I only met Bob once. He struck me as a fine gentleman and I know they are enjoying the heck out of this run.
I missed my chance in New Orleans in 2009. She was great, I loved her presence here. I'm sure she's watching over the Giants and all of you that she loved.
Last night as I was falling asleep, I was thinking of my dad, and how much I wanted him with me to enjoy this run. I teared up and then heard "will you smile already" in my head. Hope always said that to me when all the shit I was going through got me down. And guess what I did, I smiled.
She called me the morning of that SB ni 07, I missed her first call, the message she left on my phone just said "kiss that little boy for me and call me back sista-in-blue". I called her back about an hour or so later and was tired and stressing about the game (was in the middle of the divorce, selling my house, etc.) and she stopped me in the tracks of my bitching and just said "will you smile already".
In my heart, I know Hope, my dad and Bob are hosting one effin' awesome SB party up there today.
but even through the internet, you could tell what a sweet lady she was. I remember being very upset upon learning of her passing. Perhaps it is the bond that fans share. Thank you Hope for being you and for being a Giant fan!
but based on how loved she is by those who knew her, she was truly a special person.
I'm missing my dad today. He made me a Giants fan. Unfortunately, he never got to see them play in the Super Bowl (he died in 1981). I never take days like these for granted because I know how fortunate I am to see the Giants play in 5 SBs in my lifetime.
I was all smiles this AM knowing it was the big day, and then I saw this thread and felt sooooo sad. But then as BB26 points out you think of Hope and you have to just smile.
When she passed so many of us said she will be missed - so true, and so much more than I'd imagined.
at the same time at the 2007 Giants-Skins game..She just felt like a mother/sister figure..Always had the right thing to say..I remember she was telling me about letting my son just be himself..I miss them both
The NY Giants had beaten the Green Bay Packers and were going to the Superbowl!
I went to work the next day after that playoff game, hung-over and exhausted, but pretty damned content. Everyone I work with knows I am a huge Giants fan. Congratulations were heard many times throughout the day. It’s strange, because personally, I had nothing to do with the Giants beating Green Bay, or even having the season that they did. None-the-less, it was nice to know that the team you’ve supported over the years was now the come-back kid.
All week long, I thought how awesome it would be to go to the Superbowl, but at the same time, impossible. I couldn’t get the time off of work…. Could I? I couldn’t afford it…Could I? My bosses told me that I could have a day or two off if I got a ticket. Here’s the thing, I work two jobs and these tickets were going for THOUSANDS of dollars. I couldn’t possibly dip into my savings just for this. It would be down-right irresponsible.
So thoughts of going to the Superbowl were tossed to the wayside and my friends and I chatted about where we would watch the game. Do we go back to NYC to watch it in the same place as the Green Bay game? Do we go to our usually spot in Jersey for all the other away games? Does someone have a party? Nothing was ever really decided.
That Sunday, following the win in Wisconsin, I got a phone call from my Giants pal, Hope. Everyone that knows Hope knows that there’s an element of magic and purpose in her soul. She proceeded to tell me that she had just gotten off the phone with Chris Strahan, Michael’s brother. (Yep, she knows EVERYONE!) She told me to book my flight…. Just do it. We got invited to the after party with the team! I paced back and forth in my living room. I kept wondering out loud, is this enough to book a flight to Phoenix?
Hope went on, “Berry, I just got out of church and the theme for the day is Faith. You’ve GOT to have faith. Book your flight. We WILL get tickets to the Superbowl, I don’t know how, but it will happen.” I kept on pacing, thinking over and over, that if anyone can get me there it’s Hope (and Faith). My friend Ace was over at the time, when I was having this conversation with Hope. She proceeded to tell me about the service in detail. I told Hope I’d think about it and get back to her in a little bit. Ace said, worse comes to worse, you go out there, watch the game at a bar and then go to the party. But, is a party WORTH all the money?
Ace, amazing friend that he is, went online, checked how many miles he had and then booked a flight for me to go to Arizona the day before the Superbowl. I could NOT believe it! I had a flight! Now what? Rooms are about $500+ per night and the area is BOOKED! So, what next? I emailed and spoke to another BBIer out in AZ that I knew, Big Blue ’56. I was all set with a place to crash for one or two nights if needed. I called Hope and told her I’m set! We need tickets!
Monday before the Superbowl: Hope calls me to tell me she hasn’t had any luck yet with tickets. She’s emailed and called everyone she knows. However, don’t give up. Have faith. That’s the gist of about a half hour conversation. Faith faith faith!!
Tuesday before the Superbowl: Hope calls, same thing. I haven’t given up, only because Hope can make it happen. I know it.
Wednesday before the Superbowl: I am driving home down the horrific highway of Route 80 in NJ in bumper to bumper traffic and Hope calls. She stated simply to me “Berry, you have a choice, you can either watch the game in Sedona with Big Blue ’56, or you can join me in the stadium. HOLY CANOLLI’S! (Censored for the kiddies)I now knew what little Charlie Bucket felt like in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! The golden Ticket! I was yipping and hollering in my car… people must have thought I was nuts! I now had a ticket to the Super Bowl!! (And it was not costing me thousands of dollars!)
I went home and called my parents, I couldn’t believe it, they couldn’t believe it… it was wonderfully insane. Just typing this, I get goose-bumps and butterflies all over again. I emailed Eric, from Big Blue Interactive, to thank him. If it weren’t for that site and all the friends I have made, it just simply would not have happened for me. Simply Amazing!
Now…. On to the Superbowl.
I flew into Phoenix, Arizona, the afternoon before the game and got my rental car at the airport. Since I paid with my Giants credit card, the rental company said… we’ve got the car for you. You HAVE to take it! Giants Blue Volkswagen Bug… how fitting! I drove up to Sedona and was absolutely delighted to see my friend! We played catch-up for a bit, had dinner and then I went to sleep, exhausted from my day of connecting flights. BTW – most beautiful drive I’d ever taken in my life.
Hope called from Phoenix to let Big Blue ’56 know that she had Bob’s ashes for him. (Bob is another great Giant fan and former partner to BB56) Linda, his wife, had given them to Hope to spread around at various games and also for Fiddy, as we so affectionately call BB56.
A funny little conversation ensued between, Hope, Fiddy, Ed and me. End result, Fiddy was not interested in keeping remnants of the deceased in his home. That’s fine and completely understandable. I chimed in… why don’t we spread the ashes at the Superbowl? GREAT idea! Everyone was in agreement that it shall be done!
The next Morning, Fiddy, Ed and I had breakfast at the Coffee Pot in AZ. There was a little snow storm in the desert that day. (Coach Coughlin had been to the Coffee Pot before!) We had a delightful breakfast and then I headed on down to Phoenix in my Little Big Blue Beetle.
I parked my little car at the stadium and found Hope. We found LP (Riffy) and he had this wonderful picture of his father who had passed not too long before this super bowl. He had his picture taken with this picture everywhere. It was beyond endearing and LP was beaming. We then found Twenny’s brother. For a short time, there we were, five Giants fans from different parts of the U.S. laughing, taking pictures and just enjoying the heck out of the whole event! All for the NY Giants. I know Hope spoke with Twenny and we spoke with Schnitzie. Everyone was so excited!
It’s nearing kickoff.
Hope and I go over to the security tent to get in. Coach Payton and his son were headed in and Hope had just spoken to him briefly. Near the tent, were these religious fanatics holding up signs boycotting the Superbowl and saying how we should all be ashamed of ourselves for being there. God wouldn’t want this… etc. Hope would not stand for this. She gave one of the girls a very calm and rational what-for. It was quite a sight to see!
Next up: who takes Bob? Hope’s seat was down in the 100’s with Brandon Jacobs’s family. Mine was up in the 300’s. Hope gave me the Bag-o-Bob once we got through security. She also gave me her binoculars and apologized that my seat was in the 300s and not with her. Pu-lease! I didn’t mind where my seat was. We were THERE!!!
I walk into the stadium past tons of Celebrities while Alicia Keys is singing on stage. There was Katherine Heigl, Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stamos… and many, many more. It was something completely out of this world.
The game starts….kickoff… I look around and realize that there is an entire row of DeOssies two rows down from me. The row behind me is all Tyrees. The man sitting next to me looks just like Sam Madison. I’m in a sea of Blue! All families of players! The man next to me tells me he is Sam Madison’s cousin. I forgot his name, but he was one of the nicest people! We talked a bit during TV time-outs. He told me he would be at the after party at the players’ hotel. I told him I would be there too! He told me he’d make sure I got to meet his cousin and get his autograph. Very cool.
I decide to make use of the binoculars and look around. I was peeking into the luxury boxes and right across from me is a box of Nuns. They are in their habits and some are holding rosaries. One in particular is leaning forward, praying. Odd thing to see at a game, but what the heck. As I’m sitting there, my main thought is how to I spread Bob’s ashes. I certainly couldn’t get them all over the DeOssies. I’d miss the game and probably the flight home, for sure.
Nearing the end of the third quarter, I look over at the box of Nuns and they’re all praying now. I quickly told Sam’s cousin that I had to spread some ashes and I didn’t know what I was going to do, and also not to worry when I pull a small bag of what looks like powder, out of my bag. It’s Bob. He looks at me with this weird look, almost of disgust, and then he smiles and says… I can get you onto the field after the game. I thanked him for the offer but told him, it had to be done NOW. He asked what I was going to do. I didn’t know but I told him I’d be back in a few. I ran to the bathroom, pulled the bag out of my purse and put some of Bob’s ashes into a paper towel and wrapped it really tight and put it in my pocket. I realized that there was a breeze inside the dome. Wrappers were all blowing past everyone’s feet.
I went back to my seat and pulled out the paper towel, loosened it up and laid it down flat under my chair. I waited and watched. The breeze took Bob on a little trip around the stadium, slowly. All I could think was, come on Bob… you can do this, help the boys. This was the beginning of the fourth quarter now and it was in Bob’s hands… in my mind at that point. Come on Bob… Come on! 2:39 left in the 4th.
This next part – I had a little help with as there’s no way I could remember every play.
Pass complete to Toomer, next pass, too high for Burress. Next pass high and incomplete, intended for Burress. Next pass, complete to Toomer, inches short of a 1st down. Jacobs gets the 1st! 5 yd run by Eli. Time out called by Coughlin. Next throw, Asante Samuel ALMOST gets the interception. 3rd and 5. Pressure on Eli! He gets out of a potential take down! He throws it, CAUGHT BY TYREE! On the Helmet! Time out Giants! Oh wow! Tyree’s family is going WILD in the row behind me! It’s contagious. We’re all on our feet. (come on Bob!- help them out!) Manning taken down … time out again, NYG. NE 14 to NYG 10. We need a TD in the biggest way. The nuns are still praying. Bob is nearly gone from below me. Go Bob GO! Next pass lost by Tyree, next pass complete to Steve Smith, out of bounds but gets the 1st! 49 seconds left! Manning Lobs it Burress Alone! Touchdown NY!!!! Absolutely stunning!!!! The teams’ families are all jumping up and down hugging each other, high fiving! Many of us didn’t even see the extra point. I’ve never hugged so many strangers in my life! The excitement! The relief! What an amazing game! They did it Bob!
Finally, I went down to the 100s as the stadium was emptying out. I was with Sam’s cousin and his friend. We found hope with Brandon Jacobs’s wife and the rest of his family. The excitement is reignited! High fives and hugs all around, amidst the plume of tiny multi colored papers. It sets in. The New York Giants won the freaking Superbowl. Thanks to Hope – and faith- I was there to see it.
Last stop: the after party… One day I’ll put that down in writing too. (along with the harrowing tale of trying to find EdinFWB's rental car in a parking lot Full of identical cars - with the help of Fred in Florida!)
I've been thinking about Hope too. She's up there watching with Ad Blaze's baby all swaddled and warm...and Bob in Annapolis and my Dad taking turns holding him.
It is so sad to not have her with us for this Super Bowl.
It was so cool that my brother, Larry, ran into you, Hope and "Bob" at Super Bowl XLII. He was thrilled to have been a part of that amazing magic. What were the chances, with all the people there, that he would find you on line for the game?
May the magic continue. Hope made everything better. She was and is our angel. I miss her like crazy.
But I still miss her. Every day she posted, she brightened that day for me. One of the most positive and inspirational people I've come in contact with. It was an even greater pleasure communicating with her off of BBI.
I was praying for a win for Bob.... Never did I imagine I would be in the same position and praying for a win for Hope.... Honestly it's never been the same for me. I haven't posted here in forever because I forgot my password... Obviously Hope wanted me to remember it today.
She wanted me to go to SB 42, but I was pregnant and couldn't justify the expense. I just figured there would always be another chance. Literally one of the biggest regrets of my life. This past year has been a very trying one. Superbowl Sundays for the past few years have been filled with personal turmoil. Life has finally turned around and it's no coincidence the Giants are in the Superbowl.
Hope you are in my heart every single day, I will be wearing my Superbowl pin! I miss you!
Once at training camp. Immediately she made you feel as if you were the most important person in the world and that she knew you for decades. She made you want to be a better person.
Not many can have that said about them on this board.
Her many acts of kindness and compassion are well documented and will touch people forever.
I miss Hope very much. She was the first BBI'er I met, and from then on, she became such a wonderful friend.
I know that she's looking down on this incredible run...she continues to be our guiding angel.
That said, my sadness is tempered by the legacy she has left, and the good deeds done in her name.
God still allows her to touch lives, even from heaven.
Berry...I can't even imagine the heartache and loss you must have endured. But you were blessed with having her in your life as a true friend, and there is nothing that can ever take that away from you...:)
This game truly is for Hope.
I loved how she watched over BBI...
I miss her too.
For all the nonsense that goes on here at times, I really do love this place.
And this might sound a little corny, but seeing the outpouring of sorrow (and love) when Hope passed away and hearing how she touched the lives of everyone she met, and many she didn't ever meet personally made me want to be a better person.
It made me think of how I'd be remembered, and I'm not close to being like Hope, not many are, but I believe I'm a better person for having known her, even anonymously, on BBI and knowing a lot of you who have recounted the stories and deeds.
And we have them all looking over us...
Its a perfect smile for me...
We Giants fans are so lucky...
It's been rough...I was traveling for work all week, so I haven't seen either of my ladies since Sunday. And Ella recently had a bout with stomach virus...she's doing ok now, but we were pretty worried about her hydration level.
Thanks for always being a positive and upstanding guy, Bert. Not everyone can be nice to Brett, but you always are...;). HI BRETT!!!
I had the privilege to talk to Hope on the phone, she was a doll.. I know she made the game happen 2 weeks ago
I have been thinking about the picture that Berry has of her and Hope at SB42 I hope she posts it here..
WBW is as good as BBI gets...
IM WITH YA
I remember one time she had the idea we should go to the hotel where the Titans were staying the night before a game, just to see Kerry Collins. We were both big fans of Kerry and she thought we should tell him how much he had meant to us during his time with the Giants.
Well we hung around that hotel for hours, probably making fools of ourselves having fun, waiting for the team to leave the meeting rooms and head up to their individual rooms. When they finally did, I think most of the Titans came by, but Kerry went up to the rooms some back way. So our quest was lost, but we had a lot of fun, and a real nice visit. I am glad I spent those hours waiting around with her that night because that ended up being the last of our "yearly" visits. I have some real nice pictures of all of us from that night that I keep near my desk. They make me smile when I look at them.
She was a good friend and is missed.
Remember the parking lot after the game in Pheonix we were searching for Ed's car!
I know she'll be in the huddle all game!
We have HOPE!
As I type this, I am sitting here with my love able Golden Retriever, Elli Hope, whom we got a few days before Hopes passing.
Elli Hope is named after Eli M. and Hope J.
K?
(yeah, she's awesome)
River Mike : 7:47 am
a few times, at camp and on a business trip to the DC area. That was enough to cement her in my heart as a very special person. She helped me though a rough time in my life. She is missed.
And I only met Bob once. He struck me as a fine gentleman and I know they are enjoying the heck out of this run.
Go GiAnTS!!
FiNiSH IT!
She called me the morning of that SB ni 07, I missed her first call, the message she left on my phone just said "kiss that little boy for me and call me back sista-in-blue". I called her back about an hour or so later and was tired and stressing about the game (was in the middle of the divorce, selling my house, etc.) and she stopped me in the tracks of my bitching and just said "will you smile already".
In my heart, I know Hope, my dad and Bob are hosting one effin' awesome SB party up there today.
You know who loves ya! GO BLUE!
I'm missing my dad today. He made me a Giants fan. Unfortunately, he never got to see them play in the Super Bowl (he died in 1981). I never take days like these for granted because I know how fortunate I am to see the Giants play in 5 SBs in my lifetime.
When she passed so many of us said she will be missed - so true, and so much more than I'd imagined.
i will definitely be thinking of Hope tonight when I'm at Lucas Oil Stadium
The only thing I can fault her on was the surprise introduction to that dork T-Bone in the parking lot of Giants Stadium.
I went to work the next day after that playoff game, hung-over and exhausted, but pretty damned content. Everyone I work with knows I am a huge Giants fan. Congratulations were heard many times throughout the day. It’s strange, because personally, I had nothing to do with the Giants beating Green Bay, or even having the season that they did. None-the-less, it was nice to know that the team you’ve supported over the years was now the come-back kid.
All week long, I thought how awesome it would be to go to the Superbowl, but at the same time, impossible. I couldn’t get the time off of work…. Could I? I couldn’t afford it…Could I? My bosses told me that I could have a day or two off if I got a ticket. Here’s the thing, I work two jobs and these tickets were going for THOUSANDS of dollars. I couldn’t possibly dip into my savings just for this. It would be down-right irresponsible.
So thoughts of going to the Superbowl were tossed to the wayside and my friends and I chatted about where we would watch the game. Do we go back to NYC to watch it in the same place as the Green Bay game? Do we go to our usually spot in Jersey for all the other away games? Does someone have a party? Nothing was ever really decided.
That Sunday, following the win in Wisconsin, I got a phone call from my Giants pal, Hope. Everyone that knows Hope knows that there’s an element of magic and purpose in her soul. She proceeded to tell me that she had just gotten off the phone with Chris Strahan, Michael’s brother. (Yep, she knows EVERYONE!) She told me to book my flight…. Just do it. We got invited to the after party with the team! I paced back and forth in my living room. I kept wondering out loud, is this enough to book a flight to Phoenix?
Hope went on, “Berry, I just got out of church and the theme for the day is Faith. You’ve GOT to have faith. Book your flight. We WILL get tickets to the Superbowl, I don’t know how, but it will happen.” I kept on pacing, thinking over and over, that if anyone can get me there it’s Hope (and Faith). My friend Ace was over at the time, when I was having this conversation with Hope. She proceeded to tell me about the service in detail. I told Hope I’d think about it and get back to her in a little bit. Ace said, worse comes to worse, you go out there, watch the game at a bar and then go to the party. But, is a party WORTH all the money?
Ace, amazing friend that he is, went online, checked how many miles he had and then booked a flight for me to go to Arizona the day before the Superbowl. I could NOT believe it! I had a flight! Now what? Rooms are about $500+ per night and the area is BOOKED! So, what next? I emailed and spoke to another BBIer out in AZ that I knew, Big Blue ’56. I was all set with a place to crash for one or two nights if needed. I called Hope and told her I’m set! We need tickets!
Monday before the Superbowl: Hope calls me to tell me she hasn’t had any luck yet with tickets. She’s emailed and called everyone she knows. However, don’t give up. Have faith. That’s the gist of about a half hour conversation. Faith faith faith!!
Tuesday before the Superbowl: Hope calls, same thing. I haven’t given up, only because Hope can make it happen. I know it.
Wednesday before the Superbowl: I am driving home down the horrific highway of Route 80 in NJ in bumper to bumper traffic and Hope calls. She stated simply to me “Berry, you have a choice, you can either watch the game in Sedona with Big Blue ’56, or you can join me in the stadium. HOLY CANOLLI’S! (Censored for the kiddies)I now knew what little Charlie Bucket felt like in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! The golden Ticket! I was yipping and hollering in my car… people must have thought I was nuts! I now had a ticket to the Super Bowl!! (And it was not costing me thousands of dollars!)
I went home and called my parents, I couldn’t believe it, they couldn’t believe it… it was wonderfully insane. Just typing this, I get goose-bumps and butterflies all over again. I emailed Eric, from Big Blue Interactive, to thank him. If it weren’t for that site and all the friends I have made, it just simply would not have happened for me. Simply Amazing!
Now…. On to the Superbowl.
I flew into Phoenix, Arizona, the afternoon before the game and got my rental car at the airport. Since I paid with my Giants credit card, the rental company said… we’ve got the car for you. You HAVE to take it! Giants Blue Volkswagen Bug… how fitting! I drove up to Sedona and was absolutely delighted to see my friend! We played catch-up for a bit, had dinner and then I went to sleep, exhausted from my day of connecting flights. BTW – most beautiful drive I’d ever taken in my life.
Hope called from Phoenix to let Big Blue ’56 know that she had Bob’s ashes for him. (Bob is another great Giant fan and former partner to BB56) Linda, his wife, had given them to Hope to spread around at various games and also for Fiddy, as we so affectionately call BB56.
A funny little conversation ensued between, Hope, Fiddy, Ed and me. End result, Fiddy was not interested in keeping remnants of the deceased in his home. That’s fine and completely understandable. I chimed in… why don’t we spread the ashes at the Superbowl? GREAT idea! Everyone was in agreement that it shall be done!
The next Morning, Fiddy, Ed and I had breakfast at the Coffee Pot in AZ. There was a little snow storm in the desert that day. (Coach Coughlin had been to the Coffee Pot before!) We had a delightful breakfast and then I headed on down to Phoenix in my Little Big Blue Beetle.
I parked my little car at the stadium and found Hope. We found LP (Riffy) and he had this wonderful picture of his father who had passed not too long before this super bowl. He had his picture taken with this picture everywhere. It was beyond endearing and LP was beaming. We then found Twenny’s brother. For a short time, there we were, five Giants fans from different parts of the U.S. laughing, taking pictures and just enjoying the heck out of the whole event! All for the NY Giants. I know Hope spoke with Twenny and we spoke with Schnitzie. Everyone was so excited!
It’s nearing kickoff.
Hope and I go over to the security tent to get in. Coach Payton and his son were headed in and Hope had just spoken to him briefly. Near the tent, were these religious fanatics holding up signs boycotting the Superbowl and saying how we should all be ashamed of ourselves for being there. God wouldn’t want this… etc. Hope would not stand for this. She gave one of the girls a very calm and rational what-for. It was quite a sight to see!
Next up: who takes Bob? Hope’s seat was down in the 100’s with Brandon Jacobs’s family. Mine was up in the 300’s. Hope gave me the Bag-o-Bob once we got through security. She also gave me her binoculars and apologized that my seat was in the 300s and not with her. Pu-lease! I didn’t mind where my seat was. We were THERE!!!
I walk into the stadium past tons of Celebrities while Alicia Keys is singing on stage. There was Katherine Heigl, Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stamos… and many, many more. It was something completely out of this world.
The game starts….kickoff… I look around and realize that there is an entire row of DeOssies two rows down from me. The row behind me is all Tyrees. The man sitting next to me looks just like Sam Madison. I’m in a sea of Blue! All families of players! The man next to me tells me he is Sam Madison’s cousin. I forgot his name, but he was one of the nicest people! We talked a bit during TV time-outs. He told me he would be at the after party at the players’ hotel. I told him I would be there too! He told me he’d make sure I got to meet his cousin and get his autograph. Very cool.
I decide to make use of the binoculars and look around. I was peeking into the luxury boxes and right across from me is a box of Nuns. They are in their habits and some are holding rosaries. One in particular is leaning forward, praying. Odd thing to see at a game, but what the heck. As I’m sitting there, my main thought is how to I spread Bob’s ashes. I certainly couldn’t get them all over the DeOssies. I’d miss the game and probably the flight home, for sure.
Nearing the end of the third quarter, I look over at the box of Nuns and they’re all praying now. I quickly told Sam’s cousin that I had to spread some ashes and I didn’t know what I was going to do, and also not to worry when I pull a small bag of what looks like powder, out of my bag. It’s Bob. He looks at me with this weird look, almost of disgust, and then he smiles and says… I can get you onto the field after the game. I thanked him for the offer but told him, it had to be done NOW. He asked what I was going to do. I didn’t know but I told him I’d be back in a few. I ran to the bathroom, pulled the bag out of my purse and put some of Bob’s ashes into a paper towel and wrapped it really tight and put it in my pocket. I realized that there was a breeze inside the dome. Wrappers were all blowing past everyone’s feet.
I went back to my seat and pulled out the paper towel, loosened it up and laid it down flat under my chair. I waited and watched. The breeze took Bob on a little trip around the stadium, slowly. All I could think was, come on Bob… you can do this, help the boys. This was the beginning of the fourth quarter now and it was in Bob’s hands… in my mind at that point. Come on Bob… Come on! 2:39 left in the 4th.
This next part – I had a little help with as there’s no way I could remember every play.
Pass complete to Toomer, next pass, too high for Burress. Next pass high and incomplete, intended for Burress. Next pass, complete to Toomer, inches short of a 1st down. Jacobs gets the 1st! 5 yd run by Eli. Time out called by Coughlin. Next throw, Asante Samuel ALMOST gets the interception. 3rd and 5. Pressure on Eli! He gets out of a potential take down! He throws it, CAUGHT BY TYREE! On the Helmet! Time out Giants! Oh wow! Tyree’s family is going WILD in the row behind me! It’s contagious. We’re all on our feet. (come on Bob!- help them out!) Manning taken down … time out again, NYG. NE 14 to NYG 10. We need a TD in the biggest way. The nuns are still praying. Bob is nearly gone from below me. Go Bob GO! Next pass lost by Tyree, next pass complete to Steve Smith, out of bounds but gets the 1st! 49 seconds left! Manning Lobs it Burress Alone! Touchdown NY!!!! Absolutely stunning!!!! The teams’ families are all jumping up and down hugging each other, high fiving! Many of us didn’t even see the extra point. I’ve never hugged so many strangers in my life! The excitement! The relief! What an amazing game! They did it Bob!
Finally, I went down to the 100s as the stadium was emptying out. I was with Sam’s cousin and his friend. We found hope with Brandon Jacobs’s wife and the rest of his family. The excitement is reignited! High fives and hugs all around, amidst the plume of tiny multi colored papers. It sets in. The New York Giants won the freaking Superbowl. Thanks to Hope – and faith- I was there to see it.
Last stop: the after party… One day I’ll put that down in writing too. (along with the harrowing tale of trying to find EdinFWB's rental car in a parking lot Full of identical cars - with the help of Fred in Florida!)
I'm sure she's watching from above, and has the best seat on the couch, she earned it.
Berry, my guess is that you were very special to HopeJ.
Thanks for sharing.
thanks for sharing the experience
A virtuous person makes those around her more virtuous.
Only met Hope once at a tailgate she had a special way about her.
It is so sad to not have her with us for this Super Bowl.
It was so cool that my brother, Larry, ran into you, Hope and "Bob" at Super Bowl XLII. He was thrilled to have been a part of that amazing magic. What were the chances, with all the people there, that he would find you on line for the game?
May the magic continue. Hope made everything better. She was and is our angel. I miss her like crazy.
She wanted me to go to SB 42, but I was pregnant and couldn't justify the expense. I just figured there would always be another chance. Literally one of the biggest regrets of my life. This past year has been a very trying one. Superbowl Sundays for the past few years have been filled with personal turmoil. Life has finally turned around and it's no coincidence the Giants are in the Superbowl.
Hope you are in my heart every single day, I will be wearing my Superbowl pin! I miss you!
i wish i had the opportunity to meet her and certainly do miss her.
but she's all in
Hope continues to be an inspiration for me; 'Big Poppa' is a much better person having known her...
R.I.P to Hope J and Bob in Annapolis. Two of the nicest, most kind, loving people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
... LET'S DO THIS! WE'RE READY!!!
I know you enjoyed one of the greatest victories in the history of this franchise.
love, BBI