“There’s no cryin’ in baseball”
– Tom Hanks’ character in A League of Their Own.
Here we were, Empty Nesters, with a young puppy standing on the fields where our son had played baseball until high school. I was moved by the realization that we were now the spectators. I saw my devoted baseball husband standing with the dog, watching the boys practice. It brought back all of the fond memories of sitting in the stands and watching our son Nick play.
It seemed that we spent every waking moment for 14 years at the baseball field and 14 years is a very long time. My husband Craig enjoyed every single one of his baseball “jobs”. He was everything from a t-ball coach, a manager, a coach and for two years even as Little League president. When Nick began playing in high school, Craig hung up his cleats and his final job was sitting in the stands with me and he enjoyed every single morsel of that experience as well. Through the years he prepped the fields, cleaned the snack shack, cheered the teams and threw hundreds of batting practices.
At the end of Nick’s last high school season, I joked with the other baseball moms that we should each choose a kindergarten baseball player and follow his career. We could then relive our experience all over again… Not really, but these moments with our kids are so poignant and special – you sometimes wish you could go back.
Our children choose a sport or an activity and we as parents dive in and support what they do unconditionally. I can see your head nodding now. We spend countless hours devoted to their passion and we would not have changed anything. I imagine ALL of you have stories to tell of the big game that was won or lost, the broken bones, endless practice or the role in the musical that she was the STAR! Sound familiar?
How is it that our kids have aged 18 years, but we still feel the same?
On Saturday, we walked our puppy Rocco for a long walk and ended up at the baseball fields. Rocco is 8 months now and there has not been baseball activity on the fields where we usually walk until just recently. Baseball season is starting and we unexpectedly walked in to a time warp of sorts.
I was a bit sad I can’t deny that, but I know that this was just part of our journey and those memories of the days of baseball are always there for us to reflect upon.
What do you remember from those days when the kids were younger?
I hope that you will share it with the rest of us.
As the umpire says: Play ball!
Suzanne
Your son is very lucky to have parents that were involved in his baseball experience! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Suzanne… It’s Marie I love this website. I love reading your baseball memories.. We all were so lucky during those days. Remember Cooperstown? Seems like so long ago. I still think about that funny story Gary told me about Nick. (Rule follower) and the hotdog.. Coach Gary told the boys they could only eat half before the game and most of the players shoved the whole hot dog in their mouth and Nick carefully folded the aluminum foil around his half and placed in his baseball bag. Love that kid! XX’s, Marie
Hi Marie! Thank you for your comments and kind words about the blog. I am glad you are enjoying it, although you are a 2/3 Empty Nester! I think that is my next blog post – partial Empty Nesters! The story of Nick is precious – yes he was quite a rule follower back then. He is still a good boy but a little more irreverent. I hope we see you and Gary soon.
Yes. Lets meet @ el Cortez on a Friday night sometime ~
As a mom to a kindergarten boy, reading your post made me teary-eyed. I feel like you gave me a glimpse as to what I will experience in the years to come. We are just beginning our journey in sports.
Wow!! This hits home for me!! As a baseball fan and a mother of a young adult boy, I can totally relate to everything you wrote here!! I wish for Rocco to be your companion in everything you do!! Thank you for sharing such a cute and heartfelt post!
Just dropping by to say Hi via the SITS comment love for the week. What a lovely tribute to that different time your family had on the baseball field. We are sort of empty nesters but our daughters in their twenties seem to come and go depending on their school schedule. My time was spent at the pool, school gyms and baseball fields when they were younger. It was a busy time with all of the practices, games and tournaments. It is that ‘busy-ness’ that I miss and watching the girls be so into what they loved doing. ~Thea
I’m an empty nester too and my son was in band during HIgh School and College. So there were many trips to different schools and so many concerts. I went to the last one a few years ago and he was conducting the orchestra he is part of. I was always amazed how he learned how to play so many different instruments. The violin while he was in college and now teaches young ones to play. I really miss being part of all that. Even though when he graduated college, I gave a sigh of relief I didn’t have to drive hours away to see a concert anymore. I will always miss being part of his life. We live so far apart now. Thanks for reminding me about all those wonderful memories.
What a wonderful story! Your son is multi-talented! I am so glad you were reminded of all of those busy times through this post. I look forward to visiting your blog.
Awww… I’m so close. My “baby” just turned 16 and my oldest is a junior in college. They played lacrosse, not baseball, but I can totally relate to this post. I guess we have all kinds of new things to look forward to, right? #CommentLove #SITSBlogging
You have been a busy sports mom as well! Your “baby” is only 16, but in a blink he will be on his own! Thank you for your thoughtful comments!
My oldest is 21 now and it’s made me really savor the sports activities I am watching now with his younger brother, my 16 year old. I know how fast these days are going by. Thanks for the reminder!
http://www.LivingHappierAfter.com
Hi Wilma – You have only a few years to go before you become an official Empty Nester! Thank you for reading the post and sharing your thoughts!
Hi Suzanne – stopping by from SITS. My kids are just 8 and 5. I am realizing how fast they are growing and it is heart breaking. I might have needed a tissue reading this post 🙂 It’s funny how our children’s pursuits become our own. I was remarking that I couldn’t be one of these “olympic moms”…I would be a wreck right now. All the hard work, hopes and dreams wrapped up into a few moments.
Thanks Tara! You are just at the beginning stages and I know you will savor EVERY moment! I have no idea how the “olympic moms” hold it together! Thank you again for stopping by the blog! I look forward to visiting yours!
I love this. Being at the very beginning of the spectrum and starting another soccer season-this time with three kids, three teams, three schedules, etc I’m going to keep all this in mind.
Your son is very lucky to have two amazingly devoted parents. My daughters are just getting into sports now with dance and gymnastics and my little boy will be starting next year. I already find it crazy but I know one day I’ll miss these times. Thank you for this post.
#sitsblogging
Dear Jaymi: It sounds like you have a busy household already! Thank you for commenting on our “devotedness” – I know that my first job is as their mother and that is the best job of all. Best of luck with your sweet trio and enjoy every moment!
My daughter is only two and I’m already dreading time. It has a funny way of creeping up on us. Before I realize it, she’ll be in her twenties and getting married. This was an excellent post. A reminder to all parents that their babies won’t be young forever. I’ll be hugging my daughter a little tighter today.
Thank you for sharing.
I love how you already understand how quickly it all goes. I would say that for the most part, I really never took anything for granted. Each drawing, each hug and every funny thing they said! If you haven’t already, get a small notebook and write down the clever things that she says when she really starts talking. You will hear yourself in what she says! Thank you for your comment!
So Suzanne, this wonderful post was perfectly timed for me. Today at Pilates I was especially chatty in my class with two other women; both whom I like immensely and work out with regularly. They are both well into their empty nest years and I asked them if they had the choice to either do the entire child rearing thing all over again–to have the pleasure and pain of a repeat knowing all they know now–OR to leave it as is and just reflect back and not redo it (as it will be in real life), which would they choose? One gal immediately said she’d redo the whole thing again in a heartbeat. The other gal and I agreed that while we loved every moment (well, ALMOST every moment) it was so wonderfully exhausting and we were so happy with the outcome, that we would rather not do it all over again but instead, leave well enough alone. But then I suggested, “wouldn’t it be perfect if we could wiggle our noses and go back for a few hours, or a day or even a week?” Then you could pop in and visit that championship baseball game, or that wonderful ballet performance or just spend an afternoon lazing around with your children–when they really were children. Now that’s a super power I wish I had.
Thank you for reading Angela! I think this blog has really triggered some wonderful parental memories! Just like you mentioned, I would not want to go back and start over, but I do like to stop and savor all of the different and special moments. If you can figure out how to “wiggle” your nose, I will be your first customer. Love the idea of the “super power”!
My daughter is 3 and just judging by how fast these 3 years have gone by I know I’m going to blink and she’ll be 18. *yikes*
Yikes is right! I remember too well when my kids were 3 and then 7 and then 11 and so on. But isn’t motherhood the greatest job of all? Thank you for stopping by!
My kids are still young – 1 & 4 – so I have lots of time, but I know it won’t feel like it looking back. The years are already flying. Probably because I started having them at 36. We’re just getting to the point where my son will start choosing activities, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with!
I would thing that this subject might be difficult to relate to… but you did a great job. The time goes by so fast and it sounds like you are enjoying every minute of it!Thank you for your comment.
I’m a 1/2 empty nester, my eldest daughter moved to Toronto, Canada (my home land) from Rome, Italy , 3 years ago to study journalism, so now we are in 3 in the house and missing her terribly and yes it seems like yesterday when they were both babies. I was at the pool with swimming lessons instead of a baseball diamond though. Thanks for the memories.
#SITSblogging.
Thank you for your comment. My daughter lives in Seattle and I live in California. It is not easy is it? Enjoy your 1/2 Empty Nest until they go! Best to you! I look forward to visiting your blog. I am Italian and I love to cook!
I’ve still got 17 years or so before I’m where you are, but I must say, it was so lovely to read about someone who looks back on those years with more joy that they happened and less sadness that they’re over. I hope I’m able to do the same when the time comes 🙂
Yes you have a ways to go… but you are very insightful for a young mother. I love being a Mom more than any job that I have had. I say “job”, but my kids are my “life”. Family is everything and it sounds like you have a great beginning! Best of luck to you. Thank you for the comment.
I haven’t had children yet, but thank you for sharing your memories. *commenting from SITS*
Thanks for stopping by. Maybe one of my other posts will strike a cord with you. Have a great day!
Hi Suzanne! I’m also a Suzanne (well I go by Suzie). I don’t have any kids yet, but I left my hometown and moved to a different state so I’m sure my parents can relate 🙂 Your dog looks like he’s a lot of fun. I have a 2 year old lab mix and he loves to run off leash whenever we give him the chance!
Suzie – thanks for stopping by. My Mom calls me Suzie (same spelling) I bet your Mom was a bit heartbroken when you moved. Rocco is a ton of fun and a lot of work too. The good news is that I get at least two workouts a day, sometimes three. Two for him and one for me. Stay in touch!
No kids here yet… but hopefully one day I can be as dedicated as you have been! Wonderful to read!
I love to see families support each other like that, so encouraging for other families. #sitsblogging
I have two little girls and so far, we’ve done ballet, swimming and now gymnastics. It’s been fun seeing them go through these and find out what they really like. Most recently, my oldest one completed the first level in her gymnastics class and she was so proud she was crying happy tears. It made me so happy to see her work so hard towards her goal.
Love your story of your girls! All of the experiences add to their self esteem and their confidence. You are doing a great job! Thank you for sharing!
I’m stopping by from #SITSBLOGGING too. I’m a late addition to the challenge! My kids are four and one and they haven’t even started sports/dance/gymnastics, etc. It will happen soon. And I can’t fathom life past all of that, but I know it will happen so much sooner than I think.
My brother played baseball from the time we were little, so as a Sister I expedienced the cheering for him on and his friends in the stands. The memories this post brought back for me…. My little guy will be starting Kindergarten this fall. I was talking to him if he wanted to do soccer or baseball this summer. Secretly hoping he chooses baseball when it is time to decide.
I know that it is hard to even imagine your kids being in middle school or high school! Time does go quickly and you will enjoy every single minute! Thanks for stopping by.
Your post made me cry! I remember when my son first started taking swim lessons, the joy of trying out and getting onto the swim team and his first race that he won. He’s only 7, but it seems like just yesterday he was wearing floaties, giggling because his feet couldn’t reach the pool bottom.
Visiting from SITS
I am so glad to hear that the post touched your heart! <3 You have a young one, but they do grow fast. It sounds like you are enjoying every minute and every detail! Thank you for visiting!
My daughter just turned 13 so her ‘younger days’ are still upon us 🙂
This post really makes me look forward to having kids and enjoying being there for them.
Such a sweet story. I still have 2 at home that are active in their own things but sports isn’t what they’ve chosen (1 in drama & the other still feeling around for something). My oldest however played softball from little bitty all through high school. I do miss those days. Its a bond that you miss with all of those that love the sport.
stopping by from the SITS Girls, planning to follow you also
So cool to read your memories of this place of of watching your son grow up through years of playing baseball! My parents are now at the stage where half of their kids are out of the house, but half are still at home–and my Mom says it goes by too fast! #SITSBlogging
Thank you Rachel – I am sure your Mom will relate to this!Share the blog with her too please! Thank you for your comments!
Wow, I don’t know what I’m going to do when my son (who is almost 4 months) gets older! I can only imagine how I’ll feel when he gets 18. I feel like I just had him the other day and he’s almost 4 months old.
Forgot to mention that I’m stopping by from #SITSBlogging! 🙂
As a young mother of three littles under the age of 3, I often wonder where our sorts journey will lead us….
I’m not to that point yet – my boys are 11 and 4, and thus far, neither of them has gotten really involved in an extracurricular activity. I can relate to the feeling of them growing so fast, though. I don’t feel 11 years older than I was the day my oldest was born!
#SITSblogging
I’ve got four littles, the oldest in second grade and the youngest is 2 months. I hope I look back with happiness instead of tears. I can’t stand how fast our time goes by. It’s gut wrenching for this mama who adores her littles more than life.
#SITSblogging
Wow what a darling little crew you have! At this point you cannot comprehend them even being in high school! Congratulations on being an adoring mom! Thank you for your comments.
Oh can I relate – My parents were involved in EVERYthing my siblings and I did – Girl Scouts, Choir, Band, Bowling, Softball, Baseball – all of it. I’m oldest of 4 children with a sister and 2 brothers. My youngest brother, who is about to graduate college, plays baseball for the team there and my Dad still goes to every game he can. I know he’ll miss it when thats over.
My parents already got the dogs too! Bridget and Penelope have become their “girls” at the house and they are completely attached to each other. #SITSgirls
Katrina, that is so great to hear! It sounds like you have great parents! I appreciate you taking the time to leave me the comment. I hope you will share my website with your Mom! Thanks again.
Such a sweet post! I love stories like this…welcome to our San Antonio Bloggers Group! Please stop by http://www.over50feeling40.com and say hello!
Right before I read your post I was commenting on the San Antonio group I am in…I meant welcome to our Midlife Group…SIGH…it has been one of those days!!
Thank you and Thank you!
Suzanne, I can totally relate. Our sport was softball and Alex was a pitcher. After she left for school, Steve would go out to the field and text her (when no one was there). The first season we went to a young neighbor’s Little League game (on a Saturday night) and we overheard other parents saying, “what will we do when our kids go away to college?” Ummmm, you’re looking at it. We still go to other youth games! And last weekend when I was at OSU for Mom’s weekend, I was thrilled when she told me she had an Intramural softball game. Steve is driving up (500 miles each way) to do the same, and of course, to watch some Oregon State baseball. There’s something about that game!!
I love your story! You and I have so much in common. My Alex also played softball in high school – first base! You and I are embracing the Empty Nest, but we still don’t forget when the nest was full… Thank you for reading and for your comments!