The boys had their final baseball tournament this weekend and through a total of five games they hit, pitched and fielded their hearts out. The weather threatened, withdrew, and then finally unleashed at the end of Sunday morning's game, but a wonderful time was had by all players and parents as we huddled in blankets and cheered ourselves hoarse. Baseball is a tough sport, with a spotlight and the accompanying pressure fixed on one player at a time, but we are blessed with supportive and constructive coaches who encouraged the boys to smile and "have fun out there" even in the tightest moments.
It's strangely difficult to watch each season draw to a close just as the children really get their mojo, finally looking practiced and battle-tested. Basketball, baseball, or swim season typically conclude just as parents, coaches and kids see a glimmer of each athlete's true potential, and I wrestle with stopping before the kids make best use of their talents. Rob and I repeatedly discuss the thorny question of how involved to get with each sport, and repeatedly agree that the kids are too young to focus on any one thing. They have a few more years to experiment with different sports and activities before high school forces them to narrow down and concentrate. It's their choice, and they need to fall in love with one or two activities that ignite their passion and desire for excellence, that light a fire to practice repeatedly and to endure fatigue and failure and flat stretches with equanimity.
In the meantime, we'll enjoy our season-ending pool parties and baseball games with wonderful families and friends and toast to another few months' of growth and development and fun. Now that baseball has ended it is time to focus on swimming for a short six weeks, and then a break before moving on to track or water polo or fall ball. It's been a dizzying stretch of time but I know I will look back on these days and miss them, miss the camaraderie and competition and most of all the children seeking their passion and learning to fly.
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