Gail Freund, Bears Superfan

Glenn, I never used to miss a signing or personal appearance. It didn't matter how far it was. Some of the Bears On Court Games were quite far with players not even making it. I even made the Cubby Bear North after leaving Soldier Field the last two years that The Final Word was broadcast from there. I go to take pictures, getting the player's autograph is secondary to me. Signings were always held on Tuesdays and Saturdays so it was easy to plan. One night there were several signings so the same group of people were at Big John and Little Debbie's Card Shop on Cicero near Skokie (I think I have the name right)to see Dez White, then sped out to Bensenville to see Kordell Stewart at Cingular One in Bensenville. Now, however, my parttime job isn't as flexible with scheduling so I can't get off too often. Since I'm still able to be off for the entire Training Camp, I can't really complain. Like Eileen, I hope to someday..soon..include some pictures with my blog. I just have to figure out what to do.

One thing that irritates me is people who get the player's autograph and don't even speak. No hello, how are you, great game Sunday, stay healthy, handshake, nothing.

Also irritating is the group that uses the kids as runners getting autographs then selling them. There are usually seven or eight in the group. I realize this is a big and potentially lucrative business. Like Kenneth, I wouldn't part with any of my memorabilia (well, maybe Cade's jersey) but if it's just a business for them, so be it. However, they also have a booth set up at the Convention. The kids get the autographs and they immediately put the items up for sale. Tacky.

5 more days till 5-0. GO BEARS!!