Learning new lessons all the time <3

Once again, time is precious but I want to share a thought gleaned from last night. 

As usual, there were multiple events going on and I got to attend Caroline’s softball game with her. 

Thankfully her field last night was nestled by a tall expanse of trees that blocked the sun from beating down on the fans for both sides, the dugouts and most of the infield. If you have ever attended 10U softball, the outfield basically positions about two inches behind the bases, so the girls were shielded for most of the game. 

That didn’t stop the humidity that created a kind of sauna but at least we had a breeze and protection from the intense heat of the last ounces of the sun’s furry lately. 

I had a nice place to put my yard chair behind home plate and enjoyed watching the girls play. 

The best part was the coach, for sure. 

He has been wonderful with the girls, having two daughters on the team. He instructs them constantly, but in more than just the fundamentals of the game. 

For example, if anyone makes a good play when fielding, he steps out and raises his arms to his ears listening for the team to cheer that one on. 

And he leads by example. 

You know we usually can tell the coach’s child by who he/she is hardest on, right?

It’s hard to tell which is his child as they all receive the same encouragement and instruction throughout the game. 

A girl swings and makes her third strike? 

As she slumps her head, the coach is up calling out how proud he is of that swing. She had a good effort, he tells her as she heads to the dugout. 

The topper was when his own daughter was pitching and had walked a few players. She finally got a nice one over the plate and the batter hit it hard to the outfield. As runners crossed the base while our team tried to get the ball back in, you could hear his voice over the crowd cheering down the way. 

“That was your best pitch!! Did you see that? Right over the plate! Good job!!! See, I told you you could do that!!!”

The runs finished the inning and the girls headed to the dugout but not without our team gathering around this young pitcher and giving her kudos for such a great pitch. 

You know what’s the most interesting thing? 

This is the most encouraging, fun fan-base as well. 

The coach’s attitude seems to spread over the crowd and everyone is calling out all the girls names, cheering them on and telling them what a great job they did as they learn this sport. 

Because that’s what they are doing. 

Unlike some experiences we have encountered, the coach and parents seem to understand that these are 9 and 10 year old girls. 

They are not collegiate athletes competing for a title. 

They are little girls who need to be taught and encouraged and it is heart warming to witness. 

What parent in the right mind would holler a discouraging word when surrounded with this kind of atmosphere.

It makes me think about the daily walk I take. I am passing people all the time who are figuring things out. 

The butterfly effect of this coach has infiltrated me to look for the positive around me. 

We are so grateful for his leadership over our Sweet Caroline.