'My life is complete!' -- Cubs fans in Alaska share the joy of a World Series win

A sure sign that 64-year-old Barb Malchick grew up in Chicago is the way she references the year she left her hometown after graduating from high school.

It was 1970. Or as she puts it, "a year after the 1969 debacle."

Cubs fans like Malchick know their debacles, from the collapse of 1969 to the heartbreak of 1984 to the Steve Bartman robbery of 2003. Cubs fans like her remain loyal no matter how many thousands of miles they venture away from Wrigley Field, which is why when Malchick broke her wrist playing hockey a few months ago, she got a blue cast with the Cubs' red "C" on it.

A couple of years ago Malchick, who moved to Alaska in 1980, made a pact with hockey teammate Don Bruno, who grew up in Alaska watching the Cubs play on WGN. They vowed if the Cubs ever made it to the World Series, they would go to Chicago.

"Well, we went to Chicago for the weekend and it was amazing," Malchick said via email prior to Wednesday's Game 7. "We sat in the bleachers for the heartbreaking game 3, did the bar scene for game 4, then couldn't resist buying tickets for game 5 after prices plummeted. Wrigley Field was electric! The "Go Cubs, Go" song is still playing over and over in my head. It's an experience I will never forget."

Malchick was back in Anchorage for Game 7. When the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in a 10-inning classic to end a 108-year drought since their last World Series championship, her response was one shared by Cubs fans everywhere: "My life is complete!"

[Photos: Chicago Cubs fans in Anchorage celebrate victory in World Series]

We figured there were scores of Cubs fans like Malchick in Alaska, so we invited them to share their stories on Facebook. And holy cow, what a response. Here are some of our favorites:

"Grew up in the Chicago burbs. My Grandfather was the sound engineer for the Cubs WGN radio in the 80s and 90s. He was good friends with Harry Caray and Ron Santo. Great times hanging out in the press box at Wrigley with him. I feel him looking down on us right now!!! GO CUBS GO!!!!" – Kelsey Tucker

"My family has season tickets — we grew up in Chicago — huge fans. 5 of my 6 siblings in Chicago live a half a mile from Wrigley. My brother owns two bars in the neighborhood and ran out of beer this weekend. I was lucky enough to attend game 4. I don't even believe this just happened? I'm overjoyed for my city and our nation for watching the best World Series in history. Cubs Win??? Yeah Cubs win!!!" – Megan Baldino

"Fan since 86 from watching WGN in Anchorage. Seeing Harry Caray in the stands, drinking beer, calling the game right beside the fans was awesome. The 10:30 am home Wrigley start times matched my schedule (unemployed) nicely at that time as well. Go Cubs!!" – Douglas Tooley

"My dad and his whole family are from Chicago. Needless to say he broke out the good scotch tonight." – Lindsey Schiavi, whose post included a screenshot of a text conversation with her dad. It went like this:

Dad: I'm on my knees. Numb. Lord, you can take me now!

Schiavi: But you still have so much to live for!

Dad: Oh yes, shooting par.

"Growing up in Alaska we had limited TV, what we did have was called RATNET and WGN was a main station. Growing up loving the Cubs, Ryne Sandberg, Mark Grace and of course Harry Caray….what a wonderful time to live…to see the Cubs win…Oh how Harry would be singing today." – Jaime Denise

"My mom and I have been huge Chicago Cub fans for years. Mom lived in North Dakota and I lived in Alaska. She would arrange her afternoon naps around their games and when they played on the west coast she would be up late watching every pitch. I enjoyed that because the time difference was easier for me to call her. When she died in December 2007 she was buried with some cub memorabilia and she was covered up with a cubs quilt made for her by my sister in law. 2 things I didn't think I would ever experience in my life…a cubs world championship and me bowling a 300 game. Both of those things happened this week. Mom…we have had a great week. Keep shining your light down on us." – Connie Maresh

"My Daddy's gone now, but he always believed I'd see this in my lifetime!" – Debbie Hoelscher

"Sister "Sue" is loving it in heaven. She was a diehard cubs fan." – Barb Northington

"Grew up in Central Illinois. I wish my Mother were alive to see this moment. Very emotional for sure." – Bopeep Crose

"Grew up in Mundelein north of Chicago! Mother was a die hard Cubs fan, she loved watching every game. Sadly she passed away a few years ago . I know she'd be so happy as we all are right now! I was 16 when friends and I took the train to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs play! Got to see the great Ernie Banks play! Congrats again to all my Chicago family who are die hard Cub Fans! A special congrats to my brother Kelvin! This ones for mom and you." – Pam Dalton

"I was born in Chi town and lived on the north side until I was 8 and a half. My parents knew the GM (Blake) of the Cubs. At times from the 68 season up to the '70 season, I would be able to sit in the dug out with Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Don Kessinger and others. I still have the program from the 1970 Cubs and my 1969 mugs with their signatures. Been a fan this whole time." – Greg Papineau

"My father and uncles grew up in Chicago. My uncle Rich was a Sox fan, and my father Bob, a Cubs fan. WGN TV was a staple in our home from as long as I can remember…it was one of the original cable TV channels in the early 80's here in Anchorage. Needless to say I've been a diehard cubs fan my entire life. I was lucky to enough to witness a few games in Wrigley in 84 when they won the pennant… This is a dream come true, and was executed in typical cubs form…nail biter all the way to the end. This was the best game I have ever seen played, and I believe will go down as such in the books. Thank you Lord! It was worth the wait!" – Shane Schenker