Jamie filled seven dozen plastic eggs with candy, change, and a few dollar bills. After the girls went to bed, we entertained ourselves hiding the eggs in ridiculously random places throughout the house. Last year, the last Easter egg was found sometime in August. Possibly September. I found it and ate the candy immediately.
Kaylea and Sophie woke up this morning and commenced searching for eggs straightway. I laughed listening to them, staring at several eggs that, as of this writing, still haven’t been found.
We paused the egg hunt to head outside in overcast skies and 24-degree wind chill to play catch before church, aware that the after-church forecast is truly miserable. The same wintery storm system coming to Springfield already postponed today’s Royals game, so I’ll have to root, root, root for another team for the day. Or watch golf and take a nap.
There is no Sidd Finch story to relate in today’s catch-playing, no hidden ball tricks or other fun pranks. Just catch before the hail and ice and thundersleet and whatever other weather ridiculousness is coming. Although I did luck into a behind-the-back catch and acted like I knew I would catch it.
After catch, while the girls continued to get ready for church, I took time to interview both.
What do you think about Catch 365 through the first 90 days?
S: I think it’s really cool. There have been times, I know, where it’s been really hard to find new people who will play catch, and that will probably get more difficult as the year goes on, but I do think it’s cool and am cheering you on.
K: I love how many people you’ve met that you wouldn’t have been able to otherwise and the stories that you’ve heard. I also think it’s a little crazy.
Do you have any favorite stories?
S: I really liked the story about the boys-angels you played catch with at the park. That was one of my favorites.
K: The Hurts Donut story was creative and fun.
Have you learned anything through this?
S: Well, I have definitely gotten better at catching and throwing.
K: Persistence is key, but that’s something you keep teaching me over the years. Putting yourself out there and trying is important because you never know where it will get you.
Yes or no questions.
Should I try out for a local baseball league?
S: Yes.
K: Yes.
Are you sick of this project yet?
S: Not yet.
K: No.
Will I throw out a first pitch for the Royals?
S: Yes. This year.
K: Heck yeah.
Do you want to throw out a first pitch for the Royals?
S: Uhm…uhm…
K: I’d like to stand on the field with you, but not do it myself. But, well, maybe I’d throw.
Do you think I’ll make it all 365 days?
S: Yes.
K: Yes.
Do you think I’ll need surgery in 2019?
S: Hopefully not.
K: No.
What advice do you have for the next 90 days — through April, May, and June?
S: Hang in there. Hopefully it’s going to get warmer soon.
K: Summer’s coming, so weather will improve. Don’t give up. Have an open mind and keep pressing on.
What are the biggest obstacles you think I’m going to have over the next 275 days?
S: Weather and days when it’s really hard to find someone new who will play catch.
K: When we’re out of town, finding someone new could be hard. I know you’ll probably lose motivation at times, keeping at it every day for an entire year, so keeping the momentum going will be important too. That’s why we’re here.
Who is one notable person you think I should try to invite to play catch?
S: It’s too early to think of an answer.
K: Crystal Quade could be really cool. One of the musicians who wrote me a Christmas letter. Retired Royals players.
After church, Harper rushed me outside to toss the ball a few times as the drizzle started to fall. In the words of my pastor this morning, “There is good in this world and it is worth celebrating.”
No matter what the weather is like.
He is risen indeed.
