Well, the ride is over for my son's Little League team. They lost tonight and were eliminated from the state tournament. It was sad, but they left with their heads held high as the third best team in Northern California. As we drove home, my son said, "I guess that's the end of Little League for me." He's been playing since he was five, and I hadn't thought of this moment as the end of Little League. It was such a bittersweet thing to stay, and it caught me off-guard. We agreed this was a great way to end his career - third in the state and having gone farther than any other team in Half Moon Bay Little League history. As we drove through the darkness, we reminisced about some of his favorite little league teams over the last ten years and counted up his accomplishments (two league championships; two All Star District Championships; one All Star Section Championship). We remembered some of the great trips we've taken together and the time he hit a game winning RBI and was carried off the field when he was seven or eight. After five days on the road and four baseball games, I think my favorite memory will be this - the two of us in the car, hurtling down Highway 80 on the way home, talking about this important chapter in his life. And hearing the happiness in his voice. Happy because his life has included all these moments. And knowing that I helped make that happen. And I felt joy, rather that sadness, because I thought, "This is my kid, and I love him so much." Isn't that what being a parent is all about?
It certainly is, Rinda. Lovely that he has the maturity to finish the day on a positive note rather than dwell on the last game. What a way to finish his Little League career - and how wonderful that you feature so high in those memories of his. I can imagine that the drive home (which could have been silent!) was such a close and loving time for you both.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that it's over - but oh, what a high to finish on! I can just imagine the lovely conversation you must have had, it's warmed my heart to read this post xx
ReplyDeleteYes! :-)
ReplyDeleteI loved the updates on Henry's progress through this tournament, it is always a pity in these types of events that teams have to lose when they have achieved so much. I'm looking forward to those types of drives and conversations with my son. I'm glad you both have had a wonderful time!
Absolutely what it's all about, Rinda. xo
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your son for making it through so far and also for having a great attitude about the final outcome. I'm so glad you two had this time together! It's a memory you'll always treasure, I'm sure.
That is exactly what it is all about! Congratulations to Henry for such a awesome Little League career!
ReplyDeleteAwww, despite the news of their loss, what a truly wonderful experience. I love what you've written here! Your son is very lucky to call you his mom and to have someone who helps him see the good!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story here Rinda. Days you both will always remember. He will always know you were there and you encouraged him through to the end. These are truly the important things in life, not whether the game was won, but that it was fought, and you were by his side. Precious gifts for you both. You get the AAA* mom award!
ReplyDeleteWhat engrossing posts have been here waiting for me Rinda. I have enjoyed reading all about Henry's Little League progress..didn't they do well? I bet that's due in part to the fabulous, loving support you offered. He really will remember that forever.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a chance to look at all the photo prompts I missed yet, but it has been fascinating watching everyone else's progress. That cat photo with the floor as a tripod is brilliant! And I do love the idea of using the Hipstamatic app for night time pictures. Thanks for the tip :)
Congrats to them for making it that far. It is quite an accomplishemnt
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post, and a beautiful photograph to accompany it. Congrats to Henry and their team. They should be very proud.
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