The baseball lesson

Baseball had it's ups and downs for us this year. There were moments when Caleb just didn't want to do it anymore, and even more moments when I had had enough of dragging 3 kids and dinner (on a good night) to the ballpark three times a week. He struggled at times with his confidence and with an assistant coach who intimidated the heck out of him. I struggled with finding the balance of teaching Caleb to fulfil a commitment vs. ending the misery. On one of those nights when he didn't want to go to practice, in desperation I made a little "deal" with him. Although I don't remember it being an official bet, Caleb certainly did. We had an interesting conversation after his team party that made me glad we stuck it out. Caleb asked if I had remembered the deal I made him. I didn't know what he was talking about, so he said, "Never mind." When I asked him to remind me, he said didn't want to tell me because I would be the winner. I told him the bet was off if he would just remind me what I had said. Finally he admitted that I had bet him that by the end of the season he would like baseball. So I guess he did. (Whew!) When I told him how proud I was that he stuck it out even though one of the coaches was pretty tough, he said, "Actually, Mom, I used to think he was mean, but now I don't think he's mean at all. He was just trying to teach me, just like he taught his son." (who is an amazing all-star player). Hallelujah for that moment. That right there made it all worth it because I know that's not the last tough coach or teacher he will encounter, and he learned a really important lesson (without me telling him) about recognizing others' intentions and adjusting to different styles. So, I guess that might mean more nights at the ballpark...