Tone my oldest, played baseball until he was 8... but we pulled him out because he was incredibly tiny & I couldn't handle the coaches and parents... I was afraid to go to jail fighting parents who deserved to be in jail for the way they treated their kids!! This year, he decided he really wanted to play. So, I hesitated, but enrolled him in fall ball. Our coach was amazing... so gentle and kind. Just what Anthony needed. From the start of the season, Jason & David (my bro-n-laws) and Randy (my bf's esposo) pitched in and helped to assist the coach on & off the field. For any of you wondering, my dad loves to help when he is home, but he is on the road too much with work to be able to commit to anything. :) Anthony felt overflowing love by these guys, giving their time... rushing home from work to make practice or a game. He knew without a doubt that they did it because they loved him. These three men, gave of their time not only for his practices and games, but to practice with Tone at their homes.. even taking him to the batting cages!!
Tonight was our last game. I was so nervous, because Tone wants to play in the spring, but I was so scared he would get a "jerk" coach and it would be horrible. Anthony took the initiative and asked the coach if he could find a guy to be his assistant in the spring, then could he be guaranteed a spot on his team. His answer: YES!! So, dilemma... how do you ask a man, who isn't your dad to commit to 4 days a week... to be at the park early, help coach & encourage... it is so much... you have no idea if you have never done it.
I knew that the three wanted to coach a team, but thinking something "sounds" fun, and actually committing to it... well, you can understand why anyone might be afraid of such a large committment. These guys didn't hesititate to commit to making it work. Randy will coach the days Jason & David have their softball games... and they will work it out the other days. SO AWESOME!!!
It is so humbling, for me as their mom, to see these guys be so involved in my boys' lives. Not because I begged or made them feel sorry for them, but because they LOVE them that much!!! It is the most amazing thing. And I will never stop being thankful. Father to the fatherless... they will never call these men "dad".. but it is still a part of that role that they give them. My boys know what fathers should be, because of the men in their lives. And they will never forget that.
So, turns out the stigma that is out there, is blatantly incorrect... not all men suck... infact a lot of them are amazing. They can love without hesitation, giving fully of themselves... whether there is a biological connection or not. It isn't ever an issue or concern. That is amazing love.
Another highlight... turns out my little "but really big" baby is a natural!!! He was told by a coach from a different team that he is the "most improved" player she has ever seen!! The encouragement was so good for him to hear, because it was from someone who had no reason to say anything. I am so proud of Anthony!! He has done so well... and he rocks the pitchers mound!! So.. to these three guys... and all the others that have given of their time to my boys... thank you so much!!! What you do is so incredibly precious... words cannot adequately describe. You guys make my guys better men. We love you all!
