Though she be but little, she is fierce. ― William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
. . .
"Mom, I'm going to pitch."
I replied, "You need to practice your catching before the coach will let you pitch a game."
I tell her this because she's one of the youngest and girls on her softball team.
I know the coach will let her practice, but will never put her on the mound during a game.
My daughter is not me. She is not the shy, self-conscious, scared little girl I was...
The first day of practice she saw the sixth graders fast pitching and her response was...
"I am going to do that."
During the games, I watch how stressful it is for the pitcher.
I watch their faces as they try and try again to keep control of their pitches.
I watch them grimace with every "ball" the ump calls.
I watch the shame when the other team scores a run off their pitch.
I secretly think, "I'm glad they won't put her in. She can't handle that."
My husband continues to practice pitching with both girls at home and on the field.
I look at the time on the clock as I finally get in the car after a day of work meetings.
Text 1: When will you be home from work?
Text 2: The game is at 7 if you can make it on your way home.
Text 3: The game hasn't started yet. (It's running late)
I'm only 2-hours into my 3-hour commute home. There's no way I can make it to the game in time. My phone continues to buzz on the passenger seat. I stop for gas.
I look down and only two words come into focus: She pitched.
I take a photo of my sadness to remind myself to be cautious of the repercussions of my work choices.
Action expresses priorities.
― Mahatma Gandhi
My heart is heavy the rest of the drive home.
I share my sadness with you and you respond with empathy and love. Thank you for the reminder...
I put on a smile, pretend I don't know she pitched for the first time, and go off the wall when she shares the big news.
P.S. We've got a second fast-pitch softball champ on our hands for next year.
One last thing, do you love the BE BRAVE sticker on the girl's batting helmet as much as I do? Find the t-shirt online here. Pop over and check out ElSage Designs for a variety of awesome custom inked items. I just adore their line.
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