Till Death Do Us Part

1908

Funny how this number can be so depressing to so many people. What people you ask? The faithful fans of the Chicago Cubs, better known as the "Lovable Losers".
Year after year in early April, spring brings new hope and Cubs fans everywhere are shouting that universal Cubs phrase, "This is our year". Then around October/November when the leaves start to fall and the brisk cold hits the city off of Lake Michigan there are Cubs fans everywhere shouting another popular Cubs phrase...."Wait Till Next Year"
This is the attachment/loyalty that Cubs fans have with their beloved team. I remember as a kid I would always watch Cubs games on WGN with my father and Uncle and was sucked in by the illusion that "this was gonna be the year". I grew up watching Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, Rick Sutcliffe and so many other Cub greats and still scratch my head and ask how hell is it that we haven't won in over a century??
As a youngster I used to feel bad for older Cub fans. I used to think to myself how sad it was that there was Cub loyal's in their 60's, 70's and 80's and even older that had never witnessed their team hoist that championship trophy. Now after 32 years on this earth I'm starting to feel the same way about myself.
I never asked for this heartbreak. I was an innocent child who just loved the game and through my family loop I have become part of what the Cubs fans call "A way of life".
I remember in 2008 after being swept by the Dodgers in the NLDS I screamed THAT'S IT, I'M DONE (mixed with a few words my mother wouldn't be so proud of). I remember saying that I was done being a Cubs fan. I was literally depressed for days following the game. This is where reality and perspective kick in. In a Cubs documentary "We Believe" someone said something that can resonate with every Cubs fan be it good or bad. He said being a Cubs fan is like being in a bad relationship. This could not be more true. Its like that relationship that's a continual cycle of love and hate. At times you feel like you want to break free but then you realize how much you love them so you decide to stay put and let hope float.
Its more than just a team and fans. Anyone who is not a Cub fan will never understand this. How many Cub fans have passed away and never got to see them win. Fathers, Grandfathers etc etc. I remember when I was younger my cousin passed away and was laid to rest in Cubs apparel from head to toe. It is emotional attachments such as these that will never let us break free from this team.
Who knows maybe they are cursed. Maybe bringing billy goats into Wrigley Field and dousing the Cubs dugout with holy water will never work. Maybe the black cat of '69 or the outstretched hands of Steve Bartman have doomed Cubs chances for life. We will never know until WE finally win. One thing is for sure though. We will never break up with them no matter how much they disappoint us.