Baseball can bring a family together

Please celebrate with me!

Monday night. A trip to Costco. That is what Cathy wanted for Mother's day. Now that is a good woman. After Costco, split a hamburger at Red Robin. Arrive home at 7:45pm.

We are standing in the front yard talking to the neighbors [great people]. Scott [16] comes up and wants to play catch. About that time, Alli [19+] pulls in the driveway, home from Chicago. After greetings and hugs, she plays catch with Scott. Soon Jenny [18] is home from work and wants to play. The challenge is issued: boys vs girls.

Gametime is 8:00pm. Weather conditions are perfect: 75 degrees, clear skies, sun just over the house across the street. The field is in perfect condition: asphalt circle with concrete curbs. The stands [two coleman foldout chairs] are filled to capacity. One wife [29] and one noisy dog [5 in people years, 35 in dog years].

The game begins. The girls are up first. Wow, they can hit the ball. [Someone taught them well.] By the time the boys come to bat, it is 7-0. The girls are cocky. Well, you know it, the boys can hit too. Soon, there is a feeling in the air that the home team girls may be in trouble. Enter the most amazing moment. There is a hush in the crowd as mom leaves retirement and steps onto the field. Taking her position in the outfield, she is going to help the girls get these boys out.

I am so touched by this. The kids dont know this, but mom used to be a very good softball player. It is something that we did together before they were born. In fact, Mom once fell and rolled on the way to first base while great with child #1. It was a joyful throwback moment to the way we were.

Back to the game. In short order, the girls get the boys out. Score 9-7, boys. The girls bat. Mom can hit, though it is hard to run in medium heels. Everyone laughs.

Darkness finally takes over the stadium and the game comes to a close. Everyone hit. Everyone ran. Some good plays were made. Laughter is good medicine. Good natured fun was poked. No one cared who won. Each rooted for the other. We were a family. This was one of the greatest moments for all of us together. It was fun. It was joyful. Little kids have grown up. A family come of age.

It is so easy to be consumed by the daily grind, dragged down by the negative moments. I am happy for every good frame of the day, every baseball game that brings us back together. I will remember that game for as long as I live.

May God give you many such moments of joy.

Its a beautiful day in God's world. Be sure to see the good.