Take Me Out To The Ball Game!
___
___
I see great things in baseball. It’s our game – the American game. It will take our people out-of-doors, fill them with oxygen, give them a larger physical stoicism. Tend to relieve us from being a nervous, dyspeptic set. Repair these losses, and be a blessing to us.
Walt Whitman
http://www.quotegarden.com/baseball.html
___
A Reminiscence!
___
Peering at the sky late last Saturday afternoon I was certain my prayers were going to be either unanswered or answered with a big NO! The day was dark and dank and dreary from the moment I managed to pry my eyes open and it remained so throughout the hours leading up to the opening pitch. We were to be joined by friends at a Myrtle Beach Pelican Baseball Game honoring the men and women volunteers of the Horry County Guardian ad Litem program. And just when the oppressive humidity made us wonder if it was possible for the air to hold any more moisture, it didn’t! The heavens opened and the ensuing downpour flooded roads all up and down the Grand Strand.
___
The same thing happened a couple of years ago at exactly the same time of the summer, when we were to celebrate my dad’s birthday with him throwing out the first pitch of the game. That night, after waiting out storms for 3 hours, the game was called off. And we were certain the same was in store for us this time. And I said a little prayer. Not for me. But for the children and grandchildren of all these hard-working volunteers as well as some lucky foster kids who would be attending. Dan and I have been blessed to see other baseball games in our lives but for some attending Saturday, this might just be their only chance.
___
We drove to the stadium with windshield wipers operating at warp speed trying to keep up with Mother Nature’s assault. And suddenly, a glimpse of golden-colored sky peeked at me from the west. And then another, and another. My prayer was being answered as winds died down and beating rain settled down to a mere sprinkle. We took umbrellas out of the car with us but never had to open them. Because as soon as we picked up our tickets at Will Call, the rain stopped completely. By the time we found our seats, the clouds had parted and amber sunlight suddenly bathed a baseball field with its warming glow. And by game time the assault was but a whisper of a memory as little ones and their families enjoyed buckets of popped corn, hot dogs, sodas, and other treats too numerous to mention.
___
Once again my God had listened to my prayer and given me His answer. And it wasn’t a prayer to see a baseball game. It was a prayer to share a wonderful experience with people who so selflessly give of their time to children whose lives are always stormy. It was a prayer that a child might just experience the wonder of catching a foul ball. It was a prayer to hear the ripple of laughter and see tiny faces awash with delight at the sight in front of them. And although I knew I might just be faced with the possibility of discovering that His answer would be no, I hoped it would not be. And it wasn’t! And all was right with the world once more!
___
___
Dan with Splash, the Myrtle Beach Pelican mascot!
Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry
