- scoring the first run of the game
- being essentially a brick wall for the first six innings of the game. Developing an amazing hand bruise from catching Coleman for seven straight innings.
- missing the last catch of the game. Allow the winning run to cross home plate, ending the game. Collapse into the fence, in shock
- after the above, accepting a hand and being pulled to my feet before I can start to cry
- being told "No. Come on." by Rick during the above
- walking across home plate for the final time to say good game to the players from Sacred Heart
- crying as I packed my bat bag and catcher's gear
- keeping my eyes down as Rick hands me my bat so he can't see that I'm crying
- Standing up, still in tears. Shaking Scott's hand and telling him to kick Sacred Heart's butts for us. Hard. He promises that he'll do his best. I find that in that moment, I love him.
- Tami saying "Good game, tough luck" as I walked toward the team
- gathering behind the home run fence for the last talk of the season
- crying onto Katherine's shoulder in anger (at myself) and sadness (that it's over)
- Sam and Katherine hugging me and telling me that it's alright
- Sam's face as she tries not to cry
- Rick telling me to "Stop that crap, or I'll start."
- continuing to avoid his eyes so that I might be able to stop crying
- turning toward the field as he starts the wrap up discussion, fighting down anger and tears as he says that they didn't beat us, we allowed ourselves to be beaten
- listening as his voice starts to crack as he tells us how proud of us he is, for playing positions we never have in our lives and excelling in them (pitchers and catchers making up the entire infield)
- Scott coming up and telling us all that he wishes it could have been us that he was playing...that the game would have been much more fun that way
- crying and trying to hide behind my water bottle as soon as I can tell that Rick is actually crying at this point
- Rick turning to the seniors...hiding behind my water bottle again.
- talking to Sam. And then Katie. And finally me. Telling me that I will be the one he misses most.
- Hug number one. quiet. No words. Just tears.
- allowing the seniors to speak. I flub at first, responding with a no when he asks if we have anything to say. Sam says how much she loves everyone, and I'm tempted to say "Ditto," but I'm not feeling flippant enough.
- Katie talks about how welcomed she has felt since joining the team, thanks us for greeting her with open arms and making her part of our family
- I say something stupid. About loving everyone and not wanting to leave. I'm pretty much done crying at this point.
- I smile finally. Realizing that I can, at last, have a soda.
- Pictures. Full team. Seniors and coaches. Sam and I.
- Hug number two. Being told that over the past few years I became a daughter. "You've become a daughter, kid." Knowing that he is still trying really hard not to cry.
- Think about trying to water bomb Sacred Heart. Decide it's not worth the risk.
- Watch Scott's team vs. Sacred Heart from the bleachers behind home plate with Sam, Katie, Ellie, and Katherine. Cheer every time Scott's team makes a good play.
- Water balloon attack from behind. Soaking wet, we seek revenge and get it. Hand Mark a water balloon in secret because Rick decides to hide in the announcer's tent.
- Finally watch Scott's team beat SH. Thank God.
- Help with clean up. Teach Sam how to slide. Actually, fail to teach Sam to slide.
- Hug number three. Just before getting ready to leave. Him: "It's not going to be the same." Me: "I know."
- "She hasn't left yet because she knows that once she does, it's all over." How can you read me SO FREAKING WELL?
- "You're going to drive away and start crying, aren't you? But don't feel bad, because that's what I'll be doing."
jul 25 2011 ∞
sep 4 2011 +