December 13

So as most of you know, the title of this post is quite significant.

If you don't know, don't worry, I'm going to tell you.

Exactly 16 years ago God brought a little girl, who wasn't very little, into the lives of Carl, Kelli, Nick, and Ben. It was the introduction to living and loving a daughter for Carl and me and learning to deal with a younger sister for Nick and Ben.

But this post isn't really about Abbi (that will come later).

Mid December usually means for us celebrating Abbi's birthday or involvement in some Christmasy activity. But this December Saturday had nothing to do with Christmas or even winter. In fact, most people would associate this activity with spring or summer. 

I spent the day at a softball tournament. 

Yep, you read that right.... softball.

The bus left at 6 am. Too early for a Saturday morning, but necessary to arrive at the first game on time. After traveling 2 and 1/2 hours we arrived.

As the bus stopped, the occupants, the eighth grade boys' and girls' softball teams, their coaches, and devoted parents gratefully disembarked. 

Middle school sports run a little different here than those in Ohio. As most of the participating schools are small, it would be difficult to follow the same sport schedule as the high school. There just isn't room for twelve basketball teams to practice. So while the high school, including Carl, the jv girls' coach and Abbi, on varsity this year, are enjoying use of the basketball courts, Jacob and his classmates are using the baseball fields. 

I couldn't have planned a more enjoyable sport's day. The weather was perfect. The competition enjoyable. And who doesn't enjoy the sweet taste of victory?

But it was more than just the sweet taste of victory. 

As a mother of four active children, I have sat through many sporting events. Often, a game is won (or at times, lost) by one, two, or perhaps a small handful of participants. There is always that one athlete that everyone counts on to hit the home run and bring in the points.

 Saturday's victory was a team effort.

 Every player contributed. 

Every player felt the satisfying thud of bat meeting ball.

 Each player crossed home plate one point closer to the win. 

Each and every one felt a part of the team... felt part of the winning.

It was fun to watch.

And to be honest, I really enjoyed watching Jacob play. All those years of little league helped develop him into a superb fielder.  But, I already kinda knew that. 

What I wasn't prepared for was his improvement at bat.

As a person of limited height, I always cringe when the smallest person on a team comes up to bat and the outfield moves in. Or they begin to shout, "Easy out." I don't care what team he or she is on, I secretly hope they slam it over every one's head!

It happened over and over again in each game. And to make it even better, it was Jake! 

He even had the privilege of bringing in the winning run!

Congratulations champions!