One of those moments....

 

*Not a great picture, P&S was handy to catch the moment as it unfolded. He had a swim party after school, so that is the reason for the swimsuit.

There comes those moments as a parent, in which you hold your breathe for your children. We've had a week of that. Caden was invited to try out for the summer select team that some of the MLPP (McCallister Park Little League)board members have put together. Just to be invited was an honor within itself, truly. Only about 20 of 100's were invited. We know he is young. Because his birthday falls on April 29th, he is the youngest playing at his level as the cut-off age is the next day. The age difference is obvious when he is on the field...the 9 year olds tower over him. Intimidation...not part of his vocabulary.

The try-out was last Sunday, the morning after a very heartbreaking loss in three extra innings. He was deflated and exhausted. We woke up early (gave praise to God at home...I'm sure he is a baseball fan and understood ;)), Michael and I both warmed him up and I have a bruise on my hand to prove it! The boys headed off as sissy and I stayed behind. Periodic texts let me know that he was not having a great try-out. He struggled at the plate but came back strong showing his defensive skills.

...and then we waited to hear. An e-mail would tell us either way within the week. It came on Friday. Michael honestly had no idea if his try-out was strong enough or not to make the team...they only took 10. Michael called me on Friday. Only 3 words but pride swelled in that father's voice, "He made it!"

He had been asking everyday. The night before when Michael was getting him out of the tub he asked, "Daddy if I don't make the Spartans is there another team that will take me?" I would be the one that would get to deliver the good news. I decided to construct a quick banner last minute. I picked him up, sent him in through the front door. His head looked up and read. He started at the beginning and read again, and then for a third time. That is when he turned and looked at me and said, "I made it?!?!" Elation ensued.

And so our summer will be filled with baseball! Max Lucado says, "children are our calling, not our hobby." Can it be both? The truth of the matter is that I love to watch my child play a game he loves so much!