Today was the best day. Noah has been talking about playing baseball for YEARS. At least once a day asking for his own bat and his own helmet. Well, today his dream came true. There's a butcher in Spring Hill called Light Hill Meats. And my dad frequents there. They had some hats on display. Of course my dad inquired about them and they told him it was to support a special needs baseball league for special needs people of all ages called Home Run Heroes. It was like fate. He got me some contact information and I emailed the owner and commissioner of the league and within two days, Noah was on a team.
We arrived in Thompsons Station. I was a little anxious about it. I never know how a new situation will play out. Will Noah's squeals and wandering be disruptive? Will his garbled speech make people uncomfortable? Will he laugh inappropriately? None of it mattered. Just a bunch of special needs families cheering on each other. We met Mr. Ben who’s the coach of the team Noah is on-The Reds. I introduced Noah to Mr. Ben and Noah gave a high five and looked in this man's eyes that he met for all of five seconds and said, "I love Mr. Ben." I wish y'all could've seen it. Ben smiled at Noah and all that anxiety that I was feeling just faded in an instant. Noah knows people. I don't know how or why but he does. He sees things that we can't.
It smelled like grass and new uniforms. Not too sunny, a bit of wind, perfect weather for baseball. Noah's smile was the brightest I've ever seen. And under my sunglasses, joy leaked from my eyes and streamed down my face. Finally. My boy could play baseball like he'd always wanted. No one snapped their heads in disgust at his squeal. Everyone waved back when he shouted, "HEY!" Everyone was kind and patient and let those kids play. They celebrated every hit and everyone got to run around the bases. They got unlimited pitches and unlimited civility. They didn't keep score but for one hour those kids were baseball MVPs.
Each child was paired with a "buddy;" a player from a high school baseball team, so for one hour the family members could cheer and be fans. Something we all have longed to be. Those boys were precious. They talked to them like people and cheered for them just like a family member would. It was just as good for those boys as the kids. The patience they exuded was amazing to see. I hope they carry it with them for a while and are kind to people because of that experience. Noah was put on first base during defense. And his buddy talked to him the whole time. He was tall with blonde hair and kind eyes. I didn't even catch his name. But, I know his mama is proud of him. He showed my boy compassion and kindness. I wish I had introduced myself and told him thank you. I'm crying as I'm even typing this. So where ever you are, "buddy", I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Noah laughed and ran and played with JOY, giggling with every ball he threw to the pitcher. I played ball in a million games. In the rain. In the sunlight. And I think a time or two while it flurried snow. But, this was my FAVORITE game I've ever watched. Something I took for granted so many times, was priceless today. Just a boy who loves baseball. You know they say you should never meet your hero because you'll be disappointed. Well my hero plays on the Light Hill Meats Reds and wears number eleven.
If you're reading this and want to come to a game, he'll play in two more games. May 5 and May 26. Games are at 1PM in Thompsons Station. We'd love to see you there. Reach out to me and I'll get you the address.
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