The End of an Era

 I write this with bittersweet tears in my eyes.  Last night was Peanut's final baseball game of his high school career.  It was a tough game and unfortunately it was not theirs to win last night! 

During the game Peanut's knee was hurting him more and more with every pitch, but he kept going and pitched the whole 7 innings without anyone knowing the pain he was experiencing, and then his knee could take it no more.  He limped off the field and down the line to shake hands with the opposing team. 

In the end, it was mom and dad who helped him off the field to the dugout.  A truly bittersweet ending indeed.

I am sad today and already missing the field and the excitement I always felt watching him and his team play baseball.  I have so enjoyed all the years watching my oldest child grow up on the baseball field.  He has learned many valuable lessons along the way about baseball and life.

I guess part of me is sad too because this just further confirms that my baby boy is growing up and life is changing before my eyes.  I am so missing my little boy, but know that life is ever changing and my children will all grow up and leave the nest some day.

I need to embrace this new chapter in his life and be excited for all of the new adventures life will hand him.  I am hoping that he will be able to continue to play ball in college so that I can still watch my boy on the field and feel the excitement of watching him play ball, but more importantly I pray that he will continue to mature and grow into a Godly  man that will glorify and honor God in all that he does.

I will cherish all of the memories and know that we will be making many more as his younger siblings grow up on the baseball field as well.  It would be great to see their big brother out there on the field side by side with their Dad helping to coach his little brothers and help them to grow.

And so today I reflect on the end of this era in our lives and look forward to the next!!!