End of a 24 year journey

[chlankf]

In 1996 I made a decision to refocus my collecting interests to Des Moines/Iowa baseball. I found about the 1955 Old Homestead Franks set featuring the local boys, Bruins. I had read that it was a difficult set but, come on, how many people would be going after these. To counter that, they aren't expensive and hell, I live in the Des Moines metro area. They were originally distributed here. I can do it.

How wrong could I have been. These suckers are damn near impossible to find. After 10 years I had only half the set and only one duplicate. The search continues...

Jump another decade ahead and another six down. Now I start getting excited that I may actually finish this project. I have not passed on any that have come up. Most of the time they show up in lots where I need only one. Searching endlessly with email updates every time my keywords hit a match. I'm sure many of you have seen my requests.

Last week an eBay notification pops up of a new listing. Low and behold both cards I needed are available. Contacted seller about 7 seconds left and received an immediate response.

Today was one of the last few days of bow season, haven't filled my tag yet, and really wanted to be in the woods. Ebay tracking showed delivery would be today so I skipped the hunt.

Ding dong, doorbell rings around 11am. Excitedly I run down the stairs, not an easy task might I add. Opening the door, the post lady is holding a package asking for me. When I confirmed she replied she forgot her pen and will be right back, damn cat got out. Yelled for the kids to go get their cat and turned around and the mail lady was driving away. I panicked. F*** the cat. WHY!!!!!! I didn't know if I should run after her car or go get my keys. My wifey laughing about the entire situation and my hysteria.

Twenty minutes later there is another knock on the door. Opening the door again for the lady, she laughing. She apologized, she didn't need a signature and hands my the package.

I am now sitting back relishing on this long journey, the story and the search. I have the set and had to share. Please feel free to share your stories with our wonderful group.

Craig