As a second-year t-baller, he has the maturity, the discipline, and the skill set not to sit in the outfield and pick daisies. He knows you win some and you lose some. As a recent trade of the Texas Rangers, he is gearing to go in his Colorado Rockies’ Purple and Black. And, he is learning well. A few weeks ago I called home and he asked to talk to me. The conversation went like this.
Me: Ciao, Baby Cole, are you ready for t-ball?
BC: Yes, CiCi…I have to ask you something.
Me: Ok, sweetie…what it is?
BC: Can I count on you to buy my candy again this year for the Little League parade?
Sucker!
But how do you say no to this?
I am already sad that I am missing Opening Day this year and disappointed I won’t see him in the parade. Last year we watched him riding through Kountze, tossing candy from his mother-of-all-sized-candy-bags, and waving to his friends and family on the street.
It was a great day. Maybe the Rangers won, maybe they lost – I actually think they tied…but, it doesn’t matter. I can’t go into this year’s “season” with the same enthusiasm as last year. It isn’t because the newness is gone or because I am not there to see it in person. It isn’t the lingering sadness from the recent hit-and-run of Cole’s puppy, Ranger, who was named in honor of his t-ball team. But, it is about something deeper. And, every time I start to get excited about Cole’s games I am hit with the realization that one mom is missing all of this the second time around. K-Town is short one second baseman, and Cole is doing all of this with one less friend. It
changed my perspective then, and it hasn’t changed back. And,
in risk of sounding too over-dramatic, Kountze Little League has lost it’s innocence. And, it will never feel the same to me again.
What a cutie…we should get him and my daughter together…heehee!
I was so sad to read about his little friend. I’ll pray for that family today!!
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Louise – your daughter is a doll…we would be honored. Thank you for your prayers for Coy’s family. Their faith is what has gotten them through.
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I’m a sucker for cute kid pics. These are great Cherrye, and I can see why you are so proud of him.
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Your son is adorable. So sorry for his friend. My prayers go out to his family.
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Oh sorry – I guess I should clarify! My Little Slugger is actually my nephew…not my biological child, although Peppe and I would take him in an instant if my sister would let us have him! :0 ha ha
Also – my mom told me today that the Little League folks created a sign in honor of Cole’s friend, Coy, to be placed in the T-ball Field. They unveiled it on Opening Day yesterday.
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Cute kid. I have pictures of my kids when they were this old and on ball teams as well and I often wonder where those little guys went (they’re in high school now).
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