Bernie’s Bucket List
Words by Naguib Kerba
On a cold, damp day in March, while pining for summer sunshine,
I received a phone call from Bernie Fishbein. He explained that he
had always wanted to go see the Blue Jays at their spring training
in Dunedin, Florida; however the right combination of timing and
opportunity had never presented itself. Rather than wait on fate,
would I like to go with him to help him cross this off his Bucket
List?
After retiring nearly five years ago, Bernie is a shining example of a
guy who is making the most out of retirement. He actively pursues
his passions—from taking photography and history courses, to
hiking trails both near and far. Within the community, he has roles
on the boards for the local ratepayers’ association as well as Habitat
for Humanity. He’s been a good friend for over twenty years so I
jumped at the opportunity to join him on his journey. Of course
the lure of warm sunshine and crossing off an item from my own
Bucket List didn’t hurt.
On March 23, we were on our way to the airport in the middle of
a snowstorm and three hours later walked into the 28°C Tampa
Bay sunshine.
Our first night in Florida, we explored the Dunedin area and
baseball park to get our bearings. We’d been told that if we went
to the park early, we could see the players practicing. Admittedly,
I had an ulterior motive—I was determined to make this a
memorable experience for Bernie.
Once we arrived at the park, I left Bernie in the car and went into
the media centre. It was there that I met Mal Romanin, Baseball
Information Communications Manager for the Toronto Blue Jays.
He listened to the story of Bernie’s pursuit of his Bucket List
dreams and invited us to return in half an hour.
Half an hour later, we returned to the media centre. Mal had
arranged for two guest passes for Bernie and I and proceeded to
escort us onto the field. Now, I enjoy baseball, but Bernie loves the
sport. Setting foot onto the field, Bernie’s grin stretched ear-toear as he took it all in…not only was he
at Blue Jays spring training, but he was right in the thick of it all. Hearing that first crack of the bat all of a
sudden indicated to me that summer is definitely on its way. That sound was sweet!
Over the next thirty minutes, we explored and took
photographs. Bernie even had a chance to go into the Jays’
dugout. He was like a little kid in a candy store. We watched as
the Blue Jays caught shag flies; the camaraderie of this group of
players was amazing. They were laughing and obviously having
a good time. As we left the field area, Mal gave Bernie an
autographed baseball. After the field exploration, we took in the
Jays versus Braves game.
Bernie was so elated at our good fortune that he would’ve
considered the trip a success if we’d gone home right after our
first day. But there was more to come. As if the trip had a life of
its own, each day had something special about it.
We met some amazing people, had great conversations and
developed a whole new appreciation for Florida and its many
must-see places.
Before returning to the wintery north, we took in the new
Salvador Dali museum and the Holocaust museum in St. Petersburg. We went on an eco-tour of Tampa Bay
and its Aquarium. Afterwards we headed to the Port Charlotte area and the Lettuce Lake Resort where
we visited friends. On the way back we took photography expeditions to the Mary Selby Gardens and Fort
de Soto National Park. At the end of our trip, we were both able to knock • attend Blue Jays spring training
off our Bucket Lists. Thank you, Toronto Blue Jays, Mal Romanin, and most of all, Bernie, for prompting the
opportunity.
As published in MississaugaLife magazine June/July 2011
Naguib Kerba, CFP
®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Fellow of FPSCC
1470 Hurontario Street, Suite 200, Mississauga, ON, L5G 3H4
Tel: 905.274.0004 Fax: 905.274.9876
Email: [email protected] Web: www.nskerba.com