It wasn’t planned, but we went to the Phillies game for my Dad’s 88th Birthday on May 30th. The morning of his birthday, I had asked him what he wanted to do, and he mentioned doing something we hadn’t done before, which sparked a sense of excitement in me. After a bit of back and forth, I presented a few options, but nothing seemed to resonate with him. Suddenly, I remembered how much he used to enjoy baseball games, and I thought about how the atmosphere, the cheers of the crowd, and the thrill of watching his beloved team play could create a memorable experience. So, after some quick research, I suggested the idea of going to the Phillies game. At first, he seemed surprised, his eyes lit up with enthusiasm, and I could tell that this would be a birthday he would cherish. The plan came together swiftly, and before we knew it, we were heading to the stadium, ready to celebrate this special milestone in a way that was both unexpected and filled with joy.
I have gotten things down when traveling with my parents and know their limitations. However, I have never traveled to a sporting event with them before, which presented a unique set of challenges. So, I had to carefully think through the logistics of getting them to their seats easily while ensuring they were comfortable throughout the experience. After thoroughly looking at the map of Citizens Bank Park and considering various parking options, I decided to park in lot P. It is both handicap and preferred parking, which was perfect for our situation. My parents are mobile, but long walks with lots of people bustling around is not ideal for them. My dad has an electric scooter, which significantly eased the burden of travel, so we utilized that. Additionally, we were fortunate to borrow a wheelchair for my mom from one of their neighbors, ensuring she could navigate the venue with ease. Both modes of transport turned out to be perfect solutions for our needs. We approached the entrance across from the parking lot, allowing us to avoid any unnecessary fatigue. Once inside, we were able to go straight to our seats without any hassles, which contributed to a much more enjoyable experience. The staff in the area to help us were amazingly attentive and helpful during the game, offering assistance whenever needed, which made the game even more pleasant. They went above and beyond in ensuring my parents felt welcomed and supported, which truly made this outing memorable for all of us.
For those who live in the Philadelphia area know it as been been raining a lot in the month of May. At the midway point of the 5th inning, we decided to leave because rain was imminent, and the dark clouds overhead signaled that our time was running out. We didn’t have umbrellas, and getting to the car through the wet and slippery parking lot would have not been fun. The only disappointing part of the game was that the Phillies lost, which added a bit of salt to our exit but didn’t completely overshadow the experience of an evening spent among devoted baseball enthusiasts.
We were able to get my Dad’s name on the screen to wish him a very happy birthday, which was such a special moment for our family. It was after the 4th inning when the surprise appeared, and seeing his name lit up in front of everyone created an unforgettable atmosphere in the stadium. I don’t have a photo to capture the moment, but at the end of my Instagram Reel, you can see the video of the birthday wishes being displayed, alongside the cheers from the crowd that made it all the more memorable. It was a heartwarming experience that truly highlighted the love and appreciation we have for him as we celebrated this milestone together.
Travel With Laughter 