My initiation into the world of sports began thirty-five years ago when my oldest son ventured into the world of t-ball. As each brother reached the grand old age of four, he joined the ranks of youth baseball teams. Sitting on uncomfortable bleachers was no picnic, but some of my best “Mommy” memories spring from those balmy evenings in June as I cheered my little boys to victory.
With May’s arrival, we leapt into all things baseball. Visiting the card shop. Practices. Washing uniforms. Games. Washing uniforms. Junk food. We instituted baseball traditions at home. The season opened with our favorite videos. The Sandlot was an annual must-watch, and my husband rediscovered his childhood favorite, It Happens Every Spring. To gain relief from hotdogs and nacho dinners fresh from the concession stand, I could be counted on to bring sub sandwiches to their games. By the time, the youngest was in high school, those subs had won the distinction of a home run meal for the team between doubleheaders.
Years passed. The oldest boy developed a successful high school sports career in swimming. The next son reluctantly said goodbye to the game when he entered the premed program at his university. With one child left in baseball, I cherished every inning. We were able to attend games through all of his college years and beyond as he followed his dream to become a high school coach.
My boys will tell you that I never truly learned baseball. (“It’s not a hit, Mom. He only made contact with the ball.”) In one sense, they’re right. My sports lingo is filled with malapropisms, but I’ve learned a lot more about baseball and life while raising my sons.
PleaseGodpleaseGodpleaseGod, don’t let him strike out. PleaseGodpleaseGodpleaseGod, help him to pitch over the plate. Not every one of those prayers was answered with a yes from the Almighty. Through God’s grace, my boys and I learned how to handle the success of RBIs and sacrifice bunts, as well as how to endure the humiliation of fielding errors and hitting the batter.
As I walk with Jesus, I send up several prayers a day on my needs, others’ needs, and the world’s needs for a Savior. I have learned to trust Him whether He answers the way I want Him to, or not.
I possess a wealth of family memories from our seasons in baseball. In thirty more years, I want to look back on the treasure trove of memories in my retirement which I will have collected in the everyday moments of writing, spending time with grandchildren, and traveling.
Savor the moments. In family. In work. In life.
Nice post, Linda! I was a faithful baseball mom as well. =)
I miss those days!
My daughter is away at school but coming home in ten days for three weeks! I treasure every moment and wish I had done more whole she was at home.
I think we all look back and see where we could have done better in taking more time for our kids. Like any other regret, acknowledge it and move forward. Savor the moments coming up this summer!
Great reflections. Whether you learned all the correct terms and ins-outs of baseball or not, sounds like it built a lot of family memories and brought you all joy.
You’re right, Karen. Whenever the family is able to get together, we spend a lot of time on “remember whens.”
Love this. I used to dread certain mundane things, like car line or soccer practice, and then I learned the beauty of waiting and learned how to savor the little things. Life is more precious this way!
One of my most precious memories is of three little boys AND me stomping through giant mud puddles. Just because we could!
I am a fellow baseball mom with 4 in baseball:)
I have three sons; they all played baseball and basketball. I remember those desperate prayers of “PleaseGodpleaseGodpleaseGod” holding my breath, hoping and praying, they’d make that hit, catch that ball, make that run. I didn’t know anything about baseball, and I’d rarely watch a professional game. But when my boys were playing, I was there, at every single game. They were my heroes, (still are); I loved that season of life!
Marcie, so you’re another member of the My Three Sons Club! I’m so glad to know I wasn’t the only one with the PleaseGod prayers! While I don’t often wish to go back in time, I would also be delighted to return to that season of life!
Great reflections. Our children grow up so quickly. Thanks for allowing us to remember.