By Cynthia Grau

Chicago Cubs fans are rejoicing after they brought home the big win Wednesday night against the Cleveland Indians, but none louder than the ones who have been waiting the longest for the win.

A large group of residents of Evenglow in Pontiac, ranging in age from early 80s to 98, reflected on this big win for their beloved Chicago Cubs.

Jeanette Myers made the tough decision to go to bed early, but had good reason.

“I knew they were going to win, so why stay up?” Myers said.

Jim and Rosie Duffy were listening for Rosie’s late mother, and the win really meant a lot to them.

“I’m an ex-Cardinal fan, but I’ve been rooting for the Cubs,” Jim said, with Rosie adding ,”My mother listened very faithfully, only on a little radio, but I looked up at Heaven and said ‘Mom, did you catch it?’ It was very special for me. We watched every game all the way through. I’m a late night stayer-upper and I watched them all to the end.”

Audrey Winterbauer had a good feeling going into Thursday’s game.

“I was feeling this year was the year, and sure enough, it was,” Winterbauer said.

Shirley and Don Zehr, who watched games together, feel the curse has been lifted.

Shirley said, “He kept telling me they’re not going to win!” And her husband added, “Oh, I tell you, I think we got rid of the goat.”

Bob Adcock got worried when Cleveland’s score crept closer to the Cubs for a bit.

“I thought they’re going to mess around and lose it, but they didn’t. They didn’t and I’m just tickled to death they won the World Series,” Adcock said.

Betty Andreas said they always have next year, but now that they won, they could still say that.

“I think that’d be great, wouldn’t it? They’d have a great following.”

Ruth Beck had special memories of visiting Wrigley Field in her younger years.

“I got an email from my daughter with my husband and I pictured under the Cubs sign at Wrigley Field. She threw a rooftop party that year in 1992. I guess I have been sort of a fan, but right now, I am a fan,” Beck said.

Marge Wahls has been hanging her W flag with pride all season.

“I have a big W letter on my door that my granddaughter gave me for Christmas, so I’ve had that on my door all the time,” Wahls said.