So, last week I posted something about a lot of things that popped up pretty much in the span of 2 or 3 days in my life. Major life type issues. After posting it for a few hours I removed it as it contained some information that involved others and I decided I was not comfortable with it being posted. For those of you who sent PMs to me I thank you for you encouragement. Overall things are going a lot better this week.
One issue I posted a little about was a bump in the road in my older son’s education. He attends a very competitive university (does not play baseball) and was at the point in his education that he was required to apply to the individual college to continue his major. His application was denied. He has a 3.7 GPA overall but received a 2.0 in one of his core subjects related to his major. This was enough to keep the school from allowing him to pursue his major. He was at a cross roads in that he needed to make a decision to change his major or change his college. A very tough decision for a 20YO to make. It’s the type of decision that could have an impact on the rest of his life. He has decided to change schools, which is tough as at this point his whole life, as well as friends, and girlfriend are all centered on the school he is attending. BTW, I think this is the right decision, but it was his to make.
So what does all this have to do with baseball? He came home from school this weekend (he is living at school and working this summer) to spend some time with the family. As were we’re returning from running some errands we drove by the old Little League fields. He suggested we stop and watch a little of the game that was in progress. We were able to stand out by the outfield fence watching the game. We had a very deep discussion about his choice and how his life is going. As a parent it’s the type of discussion you relish having with your kid. I was struck by how mature my son has become and his ability to work through this decision in an adult way.
In addition to discussion about his life we spent a lot of time talking about baseball and the life lessons it has taught him. It was great to hear him talk about how being cut from baseball teams and having to pick yourself up and move on has given the ability to handle his current situation. In addition he talked about how when games seem like they maybe out of hand you find a way to comeback and get back into the game. I am very glad he was able to pick up on these things as he grew up.
Finally it gave us some time to talk about his future with his girlfriend and eventually having a family in the future. The game we watched (11U?) was coached by one coach that was a little over the top. Not obnoxious or rude but cheering when the other team made mistakes and being very intense in his coaching style. He also was doing things like trying to take the extra base when his team was up by 12, etc. Anyway I was glad to have my son thank me for not being that way as he was playing ball. He remarked that he wants me to call him out on it if he ever coaches his kids and gets like this.
Anyway thanks to everyone for reading this. My discussion with my son made my day and I have our bond forged through the years of playing baseball to thank for it.