60 Feet 6 Inches To Home

This month has been filled with many activities celebrating our son Kellan's high school graduation. We have attended award ceremonies, senior night, year end baseball banquet, open house and of course the big event graduation itself.  Throughout each one of these events I was impressed with his accomplishments and humbled by the kind words that were spoken about the young man he has become. It has taken 18 years to get him to this point and we as parents cannot take all of the credit. We are so thankful for our family and countless other people who have come along side us through this journey.   There have been those who we have intentionally placed around him. These family friends have invested in him, supported him and loved him unconditionally as if  he were their own. They have provided opportunities for growth, work and service. As well as a great example of...

Don't be THAT parent We are less than a month into our baseball season and already we have encountered "That Parent". You know the one. They stand right behind home plate arguing balls and strikes. They yell at other players when errors are made. They coach from the stands, at the fence and outside of the dugout, using a Gator-Aide delivery as an excuse to be there. They make games uncomfortable for the other parents and fans, not to mention their own child. Sports of all kinds can be a great way for kids to learn skills that will carry over to everyday life.  They learn cooperation, work ethic, perseverance and failure. Baseball especially is a game of failure, and often times the success or failure is determined by someone else. The runner feels he beats a throw to first, but is called out. The batter thought a pitch should have been ball four outside, but instead it's a called strike three. These are judgment calls by the umpire. Sometimes however there i...

I grew up in a family dominated by girls and girlie things. My sisters, cousins, and I were very close and we spent a lot of time together. We played house and dress up. My mom owned a beauty salon for most of my life, so we had fun doing each others hair, nails and make up. I did not play sports, I was a dancer and a Girl Scout. We watched musicals and soaps, cooked, went shopping and had late night talks about nothing at all.  I was around boys of course, but in my daily life I was surrounded by females.  Now my family is dominated by men and manly things. I quickly learned that boys are different! They play rough. They are loud. They love sports, action movies and dirt. They consider bathing optional, until around age 13. They would rather eat than shop. They would rather eat than cook.  They would rather eat than do just about anything! Conversations are meaningful, but brief. The less words the better. So, with this realization I made a decision. I needed so...

Spring Training March 15,2014 Every year as Spring rolls around our house is buzzing with excitement. There really is no off season for us in regards to baseball, but Spring brings on a whole new energy. Practices have started, high school tryouts are over and Major League Baseball is back on the TV and Radio. This year as we look forward to our son's Senior season of high school baseball, our family is also training for a different kind of season. One of change.  This Spring will not be about baseball alone. It will also be about the experiences and emotions of graduation. It will be about letting go of some things and holding on a little tighter to others. It will be about transition, both for him and for us. It will be about fear and excitement. About the pride we feel, not only in what he has accomplished, but more importantly for who he is. Through it all, I want to sit back and enjoy it. Tak...