Normally, you’d come here to read a Sunday night post filled with pictures of our weekend. Not tonight. I can’t. This is far too important. Because instead, I have to tell you about this boy. My little boy.
This boy. This boy was upset when I told him that I signed him up for baseball this season. There might have been a tear or twenty shed. I can’t lie. Although he has played soccer for four years, he has never played baseball. I wanted him to just give it a try. He ran through his list of fears for me. What if he ran the wrong way? What if he didn’t hit the ball? Or catch it? Or what if the other players yelled at him? I told him to just try it. Just one time. And if he honestly didn’t like it, he didn’t have to continue. I’m fair like that. I also promised to help him the weeks before the season started. We practiced throwing. Catching. Various scenarios of what to do when. My years of playing town softball paid off. I wanted him to feel as comfortable as possible.
Then this happened. And he was bitten by the baseball bug. Hard.
But this boy. This weekend, this boy played the first baseball game of the season. Not only the first game of the season, but HIS first game EVER.
This boy hit a home run. I can feel the tears welling up as I’m typing. I am so unbelievably proud of him. A home freakin’ run. And the other two times he got up to bat? Singles. His team won their first game by one point. I can’t even put into words how proud I am of him. That he stepped out of his comfort zone. That he trusted me. That he saw what was possible when he took a leap of faith. It’s safe to say that he’s loving the sport now. His weeknight practices of both soccer and baseball are on the same night. At the exact same time. But of course. And he loves them both so much that he wouldn’t hear of dropping one. This boy. Is growing up. For realz.
As if that wasn’t enough for one weekend. Or one lifetime. Friday was report card day. Third semester is over. (How is that even possible?!) This boy has struggled a bit with Science this year. He brought up his C to a B. And his Language Arts grade from a B to an A.
He has every reason to be bursting with pride for himself. For seeing his hard work pay off. Of course if he came home with all C’s, but did his very best, I would be just as proud. But he really applied himself. And it paid off.
Huge lessons here. He has shown himself what happens when he slows down a bit in school and really takes his time. With baseball, he’s seen what can happen when he steps out of his comfort zone a bit to see what is out there. Just beyond.
This boy. Just amazing.
Wooohoo! That is beyond awesome. I am so glad that he went for it and baseball has worked out so well for him so far.
they give letter grade in lower elementary grades! way harsh tai!
You must be bursting with pride. You have really cheered me up this Monday morning.
He really is amazing Cate! This post just about made my morning. I’m so glad he hit that home run…he deserves the feelings of pride and joy that come along with it.
Well, now you have me teary-eyed too. Go Nick! Those are some wonderful, fantastic accomplishments.
Way to go Nick!
Yay for Nick!! What great accomplishments this weekend for him!
Wow! What a weekend of accomplishments! I imagine he must be just smiling ear to ear!
That’s awesome!!! Way to go Nick!!!
Kudos to Nick. We are all so proud!!
SIL
He sounds like such an amazing kid! Kudos to you too for gently encouraging him to try out new things and giving him the wings to fly :)
I love this post!!!! I can tell how proud you are of Nick, not just because of what he’s accomplished but what he’s learned. How neat! What a great “boy!” :-)
P.S. – I remember when I hit my first homerun…I ran all the way around the bases and BACK to first base. My dad was coaching the first base and I ran straight to him. It was SO exciting! What a fun thing to share with your parents…I know he was glad that you were there.
Amazing sounds about right!!!!!!! Great story. Sometimes, our kids just need a little push. :)
Go Nick!! Congratulations Cate, and just to think this is only the beginning!!
Congratulations to Nick! I am touched – what a great post!
Yeah!! Great job, Nick! A home run??!?! That’s awesome! And what great news with the report card, too. There’s a lot for you all to celebrate, huh? :o)
Fantastic Nick. You’re doing a great job there!!!!