What We're Taking to "Show and Tell"

[thisnewday]

After one season, my grandson's "Knights of Columbus" baseball jersey is badly faded. He's been playing twice a week for the past two months and what began as deep burgundy with white block letters is now a machine-laundered ghost of its former self.

Even so, it owes us nothing, has served its purpose. Jason is seven and this was his first year of Little League baseball. It's unlikely that the shirt would even fit next season. And, even if it did, it's not certain that he'd be on the same team again.

Tomorrow is "show and tell" day in his first grade class and he's going to bring the trophy he received Sunday at the Little League award ceremony. The real reward, though, is the confidence he now seems to feel around the other kids.

It's been kind of a grind, getting him to both baseball and soccer games every week for the past two months. But seeing him interact as he now does with his peers is better than any trophy, which will soon be gathering dust on the fireplace mantle, or even the memories held by the faded jersey, similarly relegated to a forgotten corner of his dresser drawer...

LPK
LiveJournal
6.16.2010

Comments

[amandagayle.livejournal.com]

He'll never forget it though. He'll always be able to look back and remember what you did for him, and love it or hate it (and I know, because I hated it) he'll remember what you did for him and be thankful (or if not thankful, at least know how much you love him).

[olbuksings.livejournal.com]

yeah, "thankful" is a lot to expect from a kid his age, especially when you both know you're spoiling him rotten. but even that's mostly fun because he's such a loving sort of little kid.

we also have a really good coach who does some teaching as part of the game but keeps it mostly fun and also engages parents and grandparents in the practice sessions.

really good to hear from you, by the way. hope things are well with you...