For the Love of Dad and Baseball

A little less than two years ago my oldest was struggling with baseball. And by struggling I mean he had no clue what he was doing and really, neither did I.

Trying to teach a six-year-old the fundamentals of baseball was not a forte of mine. I was a worn out single mother just trying to keep my kids fed and loved on as much as possible. I remember those afternoons in the front yard just trying to help my little boy who wanted to hit the ball so badly. 

His first coach was laid back and taught the kids to have fun and not worry about the score.

His second coach screamed at him for not catching the ball and told those little seven-year-olds the most important thing was to win. After the coach shouted at Gabe one day and then at Bryan we decided to remove him from the team.

The coach told me I was doing Gabe a disservice by not letting him play.

I disagreed. 

Bryan has tirelessly worked with Gabe ever since. He's taught him how to catch grounders, fly balls, and all the other ones I can't name. They've rolled in the grass, argued with one another, and laughed loudly through many "practices." 

My heart has felt joy and pain as I've watched Bryan correct Gabe in ways only a Dad can. As a mother I want to jump in and fix it all but I know he needs that male influence steering him in the right direction. 

I've witnessed their relationship develop over time and anyone who sees them together never questions whether Bryan is Gabe's Dad. 

In January we will begin the adoption process so Bryan can become the children's legal father. 

I never believed this would be a part of our story. I secretly hoped to find someone that would want to love and cherish them as much as I did. * Click to Tweet! 

I hoped but never truly believed it could happen.

Then Bryan came along and changed everything. 

Linking up with Crystal Stine