Sometimes I have to remind myself that my boys are at the age where they will look back on these times as "their childhood". It could be good memories or not-so-good, and with that foresight I have the ability to shape their memories for the better.
Being the mom of an avid sports fanatic...aka. Caleb, my almost 9 year old...I must force myself at times, to be part of his sports-playing memories. It is easy for me to let my husband, the assistant coach for this year's baseball team, play the role and drive him from game to game, while I tend to the other three at home. But I make myself go, chasing around two of them while I watch the game, and appeasing the baby when she fusses.
Perhaps it is out of guilt, but that's okay right now. Even though sometimes the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is sit in the hot sun among spit-soaked sunflower seeds and stinky 3rd and 4th graders, I want my son to look back and remember Mom cheering from the sidelines.
It all became clear to me, and affirming, yesterday after he pitched an awesome inning. He ran into the dugout where I stood bouncing the baby and keeping one watchful eye on my other boys and one on him. His pride shone through his smile. I said, "Good job, Caleb!" and he tossed his glove down and said, in a handsome hero sort of way, "I did it for you." And went about his baseball business.
Melt-my-heart! Yeah, I'll be at every game! :)
So sweet... and I'm so glad you were there! It's so easy to get caught up in life and miss those moments. You're a great mommy!!
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