Tuesday Night

So this week wrapped up another season of Angel League. Actually, now it's called All Star League. But that's not the point.

The point is this- because of our son's physical disability we were able to witness incredible things we would otherwise miss.

I'm sure, if Dunk was "normal" then I would do my token charity work and bitch about it the whole time no doubt. And, I would miss it.

God knew better.

So, Tuesday night the select baseball team made up of Duncan's peers came out to cheer him on in their team jerseys. They ran along side him and high-fived him when he crossed homeplate. They posed for pictures with him and joked with him. They brought him a team cap & photo and an autographed game ball. They made him an honorary member of their team.

More than any of that, though. They treat him like a regular kid. They are to be commended for their character. Even more, their parents should be for teaching them well.

I wanted to thank them. I felt so grateful. Yet, I struggled with words. I found it difficult to say more than, "thank you so much". Maybe you've not noticed but I don't struggle with words. My husband filled in beautifully as he always does.

After we left I asked him why I had such a struggle. His answer was quick and simple. And right on the money. He said this- if you thank them for treating him like a regular kid, you're admitting he isn't and you want him to be.

Yes, well, I do. I want him to be a real member of their baseball team. I want it for him and I want it for me too. And I know that's selfish. It's also true. I don't want to watch my husband miss out on all the father son experiences he dreamed of having with his son. I don't want to watch my son watch from the sidelines.

And yet, I know we're all better people because of it. Such an odd feeling. Knowing it's right. Knowing it's okay. And still, sometimes it just stinks.

And then there are nights like Tuesday night. Tuesday night was a blessing. Tuesday night is what keeps us going when we're in a really crappy place. Tuesday night gets us through the hospital visits and durable medical equipment bills. Tuesday night gets us through tears cried silently in the closet and those cried together as a family. Tuesday night reminds us that God has a lot of good people on his side out here in Hill Billy Ville.

I'm not going to mention the boys by name because I don't have their parents permission to do so. I'll just say thanks to the Texan baseball team and share a few pics.