Friday, May 9, 2008

He did it!

Well, the fat lip was finally worth it! Last night at baseball Hunter got his first hit and first run! It was so much fun for him. The other kids on his team and their parents were all so excited and cheered for him like crazy. Each batter after him had a base hit so when he finally crossed home plate for his first run all of the parents and kids cheered him on again and it was hard for him to keep a straight face. He really doesn't like to be in the spotlight so he came over to us quickly for a round of high 5s. It was also great that his Grandpa Bob and Grandma Cathy could be there to see him on such a great night.

What a great feeling it is for a parent to see their child succeed at something that hasn't come easy for them. Hunter has struggled with hitting the ball this year (he's a bit nervous about that pitching machine) but has been good about practicing and it is finally paying off. I know it is hard for him to see the big picture, but for me I can look back at his determiniation and sticktoitivness (than might not be a real word :) ) over the past month or so and see it all coming together for him. After experiences like this Missy and I try to help him look at what his hard work has helped him accomplish. I understand that hitting a baseball isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it sure does illustrate a much larger life lesson. I hope that lesson sinks in for him and for me.

A big thanks to his coaches also. They are so patient with him and have worked so well with him and given him so much encouragement. The only bummer of the night was that his head coach Brett wasn't there to witness the hit first hand, but his wife was so she filled him in.