In Note To Daughter, Blagojevich Rooting For Cubs From Prison
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is following the Cubs playoff run from federal prison, writing to his daughter that missing the team's success is "another ugly irony we have to endure from this failure of justice."
Blagojevich is serving a 14-year prison sentence on multiple corruption charges.
Ironically, one of the charges against Blagojevich: He allegedly threatened to withdraw his support of the sale of Wrigley Field to the state, unless the Chicago Tribune fired editorial board members who were critical of him. At the time, the Tribune Co. owned the Cubs.
However, in the note to his daughter, Amy, he wrote that it is "far, far better" the she and sister, Annie, will be able to see the Cubs "make it to the Promised Land."
"As much as it has been a lifelong dream of mine to see the Cubs in the World Series, if I were given a choice of whether you or I would be able to see it, I wouldn't hesitate a second and have it be you," Blagojevich wrote.
Amy Blagojevich is a student at Northwestern University.
Here is the full text of the note, which Patti Blagojevich posted on Facebook:
Dear Amy,
Hi Beautiful. I hope you are feeling better. Leave the past behind and embrace the future. I am fine. So what that I won't be home to see the Cubs make it to the Promised Land. You will be and that is far, far better. Sure it is another ugly irony we have to endure from this failure of justice but here is how I look at it. As much as it has been a lifelong dream of mine to see the Cubs in the World Series, if I were given a choice of whether you or I would be able to see it, I wouldn't hesitate a second and have it be you. You. Not me. And Annie too.And for Annie to join you and see it over me makes it all the better. I wouldn't have it any other way. Mommy told me you and Annie are planning on seeing a game together. How great is that! I was so happy to hear this. Think about it. It is a kind of a role reversal from how it used to be with you and me when you were a little girl and I would take you to see the Cubs play. Now it will be you and Annie together at Wrigley Field rooting for the Cubs just like you and I used to.
And as you look after your little sister at the game, you could take the part I used to play, and Annie could take the role you used to play. You could watch over your little sister and patiently explain and teach her the game the same way I used to teach you. Wouldn't it be something if years later Annie can tell the story of that special time she and her big sister watched the Cubs in the playoffs, and hopefully, the World Series--- the glorious season of 2015!--- and how her big sister took her to see it. Annie will have collected a priceless memory she can carry with her all through her life.
Sweetheart, listen to me. You should know that as a father the idea that my two daughters could share such a special moment together warms my heart and brings me more joy than if I were to go to those games instead. One day when you become a parent you will see how you will want everything in life to be better for your children than you have it for yourself.
Their joy and their happiness will mean everything to you. So if you want to be the dutiful daughter I know you are and make me happy, then stop thinking about what I might be missing and enjoy the historic ride of our beloved Cubs. By doing this, you will bring me great joy. You will be like my eyes and ears. And I can watch the games on television, and I will scan the stands looking for a glimpse of you. And should I see you I will very discretely blow you a kiss and whisper hello.
I love you Sweetheart with all my heart. Study hard, do your best, enjoy life and revel in the success of the Cubs. Be happy for all the long-suffering fans, especially the older people, who have waited so long for what might finally happen. And remember, when I know you are happy, I am happy. Please kiss Annie and Mommy for me. Love, Daddy P.S. xxooxxooxxooxxoo P.S. I am planning on a faster paced 10 mile run later today. Wish me luck.
