The Love of the Game
I am amazed how God continues to provide unique situations for Tommy to be “welcomed” and “included!”
Let’s Play T-Ball!
My oldest grandson is stating to play T-Ball. What a fun time of life! I am really going to enjoy getting to watch him and all the other boys on the team. Let’s go “Purple Tops”
Chris has had a busy work schedule and I have been helping Kahlyn with the kiddos when she needs it, so Tommy and I had the privilege of attending one of Reagan’s practices this past week. With Tommy’s love of baseball, I was not really sure what to expect, but I had already made a mistake before I even left the house and that was mentioning the word “baseball” to Tommy…
When he came out ready to go, he was dressed in his full Astros outfit with ball and bat in hand… Now what am I going to do with him??!! Here I am supposed to be helping Kahlyn and now I am worried about helping myself control Tommy! LOL On a side note, Heath would have been mortified… To go along with his Astros Shirt and Hat, he was sporting his Santa Clause socks!! LOL
Just as expected, as soon as I parked, he was out of the car, following Kahlyn and Reagan to the field as I got Rhys out to meet up with them. Kahlyn told Tommy that he had to wait on me and could not go on the field, and it started… To say he was upset was an understatement. As I got to him, thankfully he did not let out one of his “gorilla growls” but (knowing his distance) he swung the bat around ensuring that he missed Kahlyn but just letting me know that he was not happy!
I managed to get him to the side of the field and did some heavy convincing that he could hit is ball to me and we could play together just not on the field. Knowing that his energy wears out quickly, he calmed down and hit one last ball and was so proud of himself!
I pointed out where was standing and asked him if he wanted to go meet her? He began to watch the boys as they practiced by the fence line! I began to tell him when he asked or pointed to the field that he had to “wait his turn”! These are some of the basic words that I can use with him, he understands and we can move forward. I thought that when they were done, I would let him go on the field and feel important before we went home!
Now that Tommy was happy again, I was able to assist Kahlyn with the baby so that she could encourage Reagan in what he was supposed to be learning today! As we stood on this fence line, the coach walked over to first base along with a mom that was assisting to speak to one of the boys. Tommy spoke up to them (loudly!) stating “my name is Tommy” waving at them. They were a bit confused at first but immediately acknowledged him and said hello!
Reagan went on to practice well with the proudest uncle cheering him on!
As practice neared the end, the mom looked over at Tommy and asked him if he wanted to help field balls? The littles were fixing to hit so she placed him in the outfield between first and second base and offered him her glove! What a big deal this was to me and even bigger for Tommy! When people include and allow him opportunities, I am reminded that God is always surrounding us. Good, loving people still exist and how grateful I am to be able to see him grow and interact with others.
Check out this big 20-year-old playing his first game with these t-ball players.
He has no idea that he is 5 times their age or THEIR SIZE!! lol
The Tahoe was so “full” when we left practice. Each of us for different reasons…
Reagan was full of fun but also a little tired!
Kahlyn’s was full, watching her boy have a good practice and being a proud mom!
Rhys was just full of sweetness; he didn’t make a peep the entire practice!
Tommy left full of excitement, experience, acceptance and a fun opportunity!
As for me, I left full of encouragement - one more giant step for Tommy!
Full of excitement for Reagan on his new adventure!
Full that my kiddos were all together and I was happy to be the best DeeDee and Mom on her way to get everyone well deserved French fries!
What a day! - God Bless
