Not Just Any Game

It's hard to believe it's been 3 years.  No, not since the dreadfully unexpected volvulus.  But rather 3 years ago that Caed first started baseball....or should I say T-ball.  He missed the first year he was eligible to play due to that small thing of "fighting for his life" in a hospital bed for 90+ days.  So, the following March, after a year spent living in hospitals......when he finally got to play, it was a monumental day for Caed, as well as our family!

I remember so clearly sitting in the bleachers at his first game thinking......"I know this is a big moment for all you other moms and dads.  I know you are so excited to see your son out there playing.  BUT.....it goes SO BEYOND that for us.  Sure, we've dreamed of this day since Caed was a baby (probably), but you don't understand.  This little boy you see stepping up to the plate should have died last year!  Do you know the trauma and unspeakable suffering he has had to endure this past year?  It's unimaginable.  Do you know what lies underneath that bright orange Celina uniform?  A feeding tube.  This is not just any baseball game, you see.  Number 10 is a living, breathing.....miracle."

I have found myself transported back to that day.  My heart literally feels as though it might burst.  In 4 short days, Caed will be stepping back up to the plate (for the first time).  He has been through so much this past year, and has been forced to "sit and watch" his friends run and play and slide and climb and swim and hit and catch.  But not for long.

This weekend, Todd began practicing quite a bit with Caed.  He is definitely "out of shape."  (and I mean that literally.  He lost a lot of muscle after the last surgery)  Caed's form is there.  The power behind it....not as much.

Yesterday, Caed came to me asking if he could wear his cleats when he and his Dad went out to practice.  (Sure!!!)  Then, a little later, he came asking if it would be ok if he wore his uniform.  (You bet!!!)  He explained to me that he would probably be able to move better and faster with it on. ;)

At this point, I really wanted to cry!  To see him so excited to put on his uniform....not just the shirt, but his cap and pants and socks and belt.  The whole 9 yards.  And to know we didn't have a game to go to.  He was simply wanting to go out and practice with his Dad.  It meant everything to him.  The freedom.  The liberation.  The confidence.  The joy.  He was finally getting to "be normal like the rest of his friends."

Friday is a big day for Caed.  No, it's HUGE!  And although for most moms and dads sitting there rooting for their favorite little player, it may seem like any normal Little League game......

......there will be a miracle stepping up to the plate once again.  The number on the back of his jersey may have changed, but it's him.  He may knock it out of the park, or he might even strike out.  Either way, it doesn't matter.  Because of God's great love and mercy and (perfectly timely) Healing Hands, my little boy will finally get to do something.....seemingly very small and insignificant, that means more to him than any of us can truly comprehend.   

Thank you Lord for the life lessons You are teaching him at every step along this journey....even at such a young age.  I pray You continue molding Caed and getting him ready for the great work You have in store for him in the future.