This piece is a little different from past pieces, but one that hits especially close to home. A loss of life is a challenge for many — a struggle no one wants to admit and one that takes time to feel complete. I had a loss, and one that is hard to replace.

My sweet grandmother ended her journey yesterday morning after completing 90 laps around the sun. She was a soldier and an inspiration for everyone around her. As we look back on a life as powerful as hers, it is important to recognize the accomplishments and experiences that defined my grandmother. From her delicious cooking, it was always a masterpiece whenever she was in the kitchen. From perfectly cooked over-easy eggs to a flawless Christmas roast (make sure to never open the oven while it’s cooking!).

But the biggest takeaway I have from my time with my grandmother is her dedication to always being there for the family. Whether that meant my grandparents traveling to New York City for my graduation, baptism, or the holidays, or us going out to visit them in Denver, no matter the journey, they always made time for their family.

That is why this piece is especially important to me — because it hits so close to home. There are so many impactful moments spent with Grandma, but nothing comes close to the importance of the Mets embroidery pillow.

By the gift of God, a very special woman sewed this beautiful pillow by hand. It’s important, as we recognize the life and longevity of one person, that we admire their achievements and life experiences. This pillow has been a staple of my night routine since I was a young boy. From Park Ave to sleepaway camp, to Denver, to Waterside Plaza, to Connecticut College, and now to Binghamton University — this pillow has been with me every step of the journey.

But this pillow isn’t just a pillow — it has Grandma written all over it! I have learned so much from such an incredibly wonderful woman — one who, poised in elegance and etiquette, showed me that wisdom isn’t measured by the volume of your voice. Regardless of how loud her voice was, she was always a powerful presence wherever she went, and you knew if she had a request, you listened. The pillow is propped up on my bed, surrounded by two dozen holiday Simpich dolls. I am deeply grateful I got to experience 20 years of loving life with an angel. I can still taste her eggs on my tongue! With much love, Granddad — I’ll be there soon to give hugs and love to all around!

A pillow that has been around my family for over 50 years has spent the past decade-plus residing with me. The pillow has served as a staple of my bedtime routine; regardless of where I was, the pillow always made the trip.

Originally created for my father back in the 1970s, it has been passed down through generations, and I have been the sole keeper of it since I was younger than ten.

It’s important to me that I recognize what truly matters and use this opportunity to speak on more personal topics — things that go beyond the game itself and connect back to home. The power of the human heart is strong, and love works in ways we don’t always understand. For me, my grandma has never really left my side; she’s always been there, even while I sleep. The pillow she made by hand, every individual stitch carefully crafted with love, is a reminder of that connection. And when the time comes and I have kids of my own under the same roof, there’s no way they’ll ever convert to being Yankee fans. Some loyalties are sewn too deep.