Last night I had the chance to sit back and watch my son's 1st summer practice. Normally not a big thing but his demenaour caught my eye. He had a huge smile on his face before practice while talking with his teammates and even when practicing.
Now this is the 1st time he has been able to practice since last fall at college. My wife says that he was like a 4 year old at Christmas Eve yesterday. Four months ago he didn't know if he could play again, he was hurt last fall and had surgery in January.
I got a little nostalgic watching practice (which I was only there because coach had a parent meeting before). I know how much he has wanted to get back on the field and how hard he's worked to get there. At this point he has no idea if he will be playing again this fall or not. I told him this summer to treat every pitch like its the last time he may play the game and keep smiling.
I have also vowed to watch as many games as I can and just sit back and enjoy. Not get caught up in the results but enjoy the whole atmosphere because it could be my last chance to see him play. Sometimes we get too caught up with the moment to enjoy it for what it is.
In your situation, you can bet your sweet patootie I'd be at the first practice.