Ken finally has his own baseball team. New grandbaby Kenley Jane Singleton arrived in August to round out the Singletons.
So, we’ll put Ken in right field because that’s what he knows. Me … I’ll take shortstop because that’s the position I played in softball for years (plus SS are my initials). Son Justin can take his former position at second base because that was his spot in the minor leagues. Our daughter-in-law, Tricia, can be behind the plate, because now as a mom, she knows the importance of home.
The other 3 kids and 2 grandkids will pick positions of their choices … because we like to see our kids have choices as they grow up. And we hope they choose to be in the right places.
Ken and I will double our roles as manager and coach as well, because isn’t that what parents and grandparents do? We coach our kids and their kids throughout their lives. We show them the path to run and hope they run in a straight line. We hope they don’t just stand there and ‘take’ the pitches; instead we want them to swing for all they’re worth. And if they miss – swing again!
If a fastball nicks them, we’ll run over and make sure they aren’t hurt. We’ll help them to stand up on their own two feet once again and encourage them back out on the field. We will strive to teach the importance of great teamwork and camaraderie. We will teach them to gingerly ‘field’ the plays in life in the best manner they can. And should they make an error, they’ll know it’s only human and they will try it again and again. There’s always the next inning.
We’ll encourage them to run fast and play hard. Various skills will be learned. We’ll insist on no spitting on anyone. We’ll teach them to be prepared with the proper equipment for protection, to wear their uniform proudly, and to handle their place in the lineup the best they can.
And should they pop out, strike out, or ground out, we’re ready at the bench with a pat on the back and a “You’ll get ‘em next time.” And if we lose any games, we will teach them good sportsmanship … to rise above defeat. And that tomorrow brings another game. Winning is a bonus!
Yes, we finally have enough for a baseball team.
Play ball. Play life. Play well.
