“A vision is like a dream — it will disappear unless we do something with it. Do something big or do something small. But stop wondering and go on an adventure.” Simon Sinek, Together is Better
When Jamie got home from school, she changed shoes and put on her old softball glove — the same one several catch-playing friends have borrowed over the last six weeks. We walked out into the backyard, intentionally left the dog inside, and talked over a simple game of catch on a beautiful afternoon.
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve played catch,” she said.
I remembered playing wiffle ball at the park last summer, but it’s been a while since catch with gloves and a baseball. I listened to her stories about her students and thought how fortunate they are to have her as their teacher.
Over the years I have been in her classroom, playing guitar and singing for her students. Lots of bus wheels going round and round and students clapping and high-fiving because they knew they were happy. I know how hard she works to help her students grow, how she personalizes each lesson to meet their needs. Her teaching brings hope and compassion into the world.
As I took off my glove to take a selfie, my wedding band broke. For my birthday last year, Jamie bought me a Qalo ring to replace the original golden band which was far too tight for my fat fingers.
“You threw the ball so hard you broke my ring,” I said.
She rolled her eyes.
I told her about the Miracle League idea, about playing catch to help raise support for multiple disabilities students in her honor.
“That’s so sweet!” she said.
She was completely surprised when I said $110 had already been raised.
“Adventure” is a great word to describe our 21 years of marriage, and a great word to describe wherever this catch-playing craziness leads.
And then we ordered a pizza to bring back home and watch the Olympics.
Miracle League Donations:
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/wanna-play-catch1/ethanbryan.
