75 minutes

I'm honestly quite speechless.  Not even sure how to start this one......

Tonight was incredible!

Caed's 1st game of the season.  The first time he got to wear the FULL uniform.  The first time his name would be called in the batting lineup.  No more standing on the "sidelines" giving hand signals.  No more sitting in the dugout all alone.

Before the game, Caed mentioned to us how nervous he was.  He was so excited, and yet scared to death he wouldn't hit the ball.  (those who know the ending to this story, may go ahead and chuckle here....)  Adrenaline had set in quickly.  We got a kick watching him warm-up and seeing him sprint the whole time.  To say he was excited is an understatement.  The coaches graciously allowed Caed to be first up at bat.  As he stepped up to the plate, the dugout erupted in full unison....."Let's go Caed!  Let's go Caed!....."  Excitement was in the air.  Everyone (even these little 7-8 yr. old boys) knew how big of a night this was for him.  One teammate even decorated a poster and hung it on the fence to show his support.

The pitches came in and before we knew it, he had 2 strikes.  We sat on the edge of our seats holding our breaths, PRAYING for God to please just let him hit.  Next, he tipped a foul ball.   Finally....there was contact!

Honestly that in itself was good enough for us.  He hit the ball.  All good.  We could go home now.  But, apparently Caed had other plans.  As he ran past first.....and then second....and then THIRD......my heart was about to explode.  Literally a flood gate of tears....uncontrollable sobs...were fixing to be unleashed (and it wasn't going to be pretty).  Then as he crossed home plate and the realization of what he had just done sunk in, I couldn't believe it.  I sat stunned as I watched his entire team explode out of the dugout to congratulate him.

How could this happen?  Did God REALLY just do that?!?!  I wasn't sure at that point whether to laugh or cry thinking of what had just occurred.....and more importantly knowing....it wasn't Caed.  He is 49-50 lbs of skin and bones, endured FOUR abdominal surgeries just this year, hasn't been able to play or practice the entire season..........and he steps up and does THAT?
Definitely a God-thing.

The game continues.  The Pirates dominate, making some great plays.  It's now time for the line up to start over.  Caed steps up to the plate again.  ANOTHER HOME RUN!!!!

Ok.  At this point, the whole (Pirate) crowd is laughing.  TWO HR's?!?!  How in the world???

Finally, there is time for yet another trip to the plate.

Yep....you guessed it.  THREE HOME RUNS in a single game!

Wow.

As he crossed home plate and ran back to the dugout....our eyes met only for a split second.  He was trying so hard to hide his excitement (and play it cool, I guess)...but he gave me a quick little grin and I could see that sparkle in his eye (again).

At this point.....I don't care if Caed strikes out every single time he steps back up to hit.  Sure, it would be heart-breaking for him (for anyone), but tonight was a gift.  An ENORMOUS heavenly gift, and one that will not be taken for granted.  It's not about baseball.  It's not about winning.  It's not even about the triple HR's!  But, rather, knowing where Caed has been....and seeing where he is today.  He is walking, breathing, cleat-wearing, Popsicle-eating, free of ANY and ALL tubes protruding out of his frail, little body.  He is laughing, running, hitting, swimming!  These "normal" things are HUGE for him.   I think back, not over the past 4 years.....but rather just 365 days.  This child has gone through some very dark days and nights.  Hell.  Plain and simple.  I guess that's what makes tonight.....absolutely mind-blowing.  Flashes of the pain.  The screams for help.  The agony trying to walk but only a couple of steps.  The packing of a deep open ab wound day after day.  Wheeling him away from us.  4 times over.  Oh, the pain he has endured.  The frustrations.  The disappointments.  The grief.  This year has been SO incredibly difficult for him.  Much more than anyone knows.

So, for God to do this for Caed tonight.  We are speechless.....

It reminds me how much God loves us, and how much He loves giving good gifts to His children.  Yes, tonight was a true gift.  I don't know how much Caed will remember this when he is older.  When he is all grown helping coach his own son in a game of baseball.  All of it?  Some of it?  None of it....?  I don't think it will matter if ANY of us remember it.

It was about one night.
Just 75 short minutes.
And being reminded that God is clearly not finished with him yet.............

This sign was almost TOO much for Mama to see during the game!  But, I thank sweet Morgan (and his Mom) for their support and compassion. 

Yesterday Caed received yet another wonderful gift.  SWIM TIME!!!!!!!!!!  This was the first.  He has waited so long for this, and finally was given the green light.  We were a little concerned thinking maybe he forgot how!  But, he just jumped right in....never skipped a beat.  He has 2 pretty special friends who have walked this difficult year along side him.  They have been SO sensitive and protective of him at school after each surgery.  I THANK GOD for these two!!!!!!!!