The week following
John’s passing found me attending two baseball games for each grandson. I had
promised to attend home games and all four were home games.
In hindsight, I am
sure that this was good for me as I tend to isolate in difficult patches so, yes, it was good to get out of the house.
Besides, Jakob was
going to prove to be a great blessing at one of his games bringing so much
laughter and joy to everyone watching. His team was playing their game on a field right next door to
the annual dance competition for Homecoming Days. Jake was playing second base. Do you know where this is going?
When the music
started, and it was some catchy music, too, Jake began to dance. Yes! Right
there on second base for all the world to see! He was really busting a move as
they say. His parents might have wanted the earth to open and swallow them, but
they couldn’t help but laugh along with the rest of us. Hilarious! He was
dancing and still stopping the ball and getting runners out on
first…multi-tasking at its finest.
<The video has been removed—bummer!
<The video has been removed—bummer!
It was Little Eva - Loco-motion>
The inning finally ended and Jake received the beckoning finger from his dad. I took the photo below as they chatted behind the dugout. I heard Jake state his case —"But, Dad! The music! Everyone would want to dance to that music!" His father's response went something like this: Yes, well, Jake, you're not here to dance; you're here to play ball.
The inning finally ended and Jake received the beckoning finger from his dad. I took the photo below as they chatted behind the dugout. I heard Jake state his case —"But, Dad! The music! Everyone would want to dance to that music!" His father's response went something like this: Yes, well, Jake, you're not here to dance; you're here to play ball.
Properly chastened,
Jake went on about his business waiting in the line-up for his turn at bat. The
game was running about 12 to 0 or something truly disheartening like that. Once at bat, Jakob had a very good eye and refused to swing at the dud pitches so he was walked to first, stole second, survived a squeeze play
between second and third, and, when the ball was seriously fumbled, he made a
beeline for home scoring the only run of the game for his team.
When the game ended,
one of the coaches said, “By virtue of the fact that Jakob scored the only run
of the game, he may dance on second base any time he wants!” =D
What fun! I miss those baseball games, but summer is well into July and the grands have moved on to other pursuits...
Oh, Jake sounds like such a joy! And a good baseball player, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight that Grandson of yours, such fun to be around.
ReplyDeleteKids sure have a way of turning our frowns upside down. Is the locomotion song the one that Jakob danced to? I agree with him, how you can not help but dance? Thanks for sharing this moment in time. One definitely worth remembering.
ReplyDeleteI loved this sharing of Jake, the dancing baseball player. Me thinks this would be a good children's story.... and you would write it so beautifully. I miss the baseball days so much... and yes sometimes being a the ballpark in the sunshine and fresh air is just what the doctor ordered. A little escape that does a lot of good. Love you sweet Vee.
ReplyDeleteOh that is priceless! Let the boy dance as long as he is able to multitask the ballgame as well.
ReplyDeleteAwww...how precious...let the boy be...smiles. Have a beautiful day, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteLoved this! And I agree with him...sometimes you hear the music and just HAVE to dance! Lol. Wonderful memory! Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteLove this story!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! And I am so proud of you for keeping your commitment to be at those home games even in the week following your beloved's passing. God surely blessed you for it. Sometimes laughing until one cries can be a great help in times of grief (and yes, I have done that).
ReplyDeleteYour Jakob is winner in my book! I agree with him, who can't dance to that music. Hooray for his coach! The grands must have been proud to see you there. ♥
ReplyDeleteWhen you feel the music, you gotta dance! I love that Jake is a multi-tasker; it will pay off well into the future:-D
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! It sounds as though that certain ball game came at just the right time...just when you needed to experience the joy of watching Jake's antics! It blesses my heart to know that you are able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life during your time of grieving. "Locomotion" has always been a favorite of mine :)
ReplyDeleteOh what a great story, I am sure that would have been quite the show!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! Good for Jakob! Dance whenever you hear the music, I say!! We need more music and laughter in our lives these days...
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story, and some day you will look back and be glad you blogged about it!
ReplyDeleteHow could one not move a little to that music? It sounds like a game that ended well for Jakob, father chat and all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute story! I loved the end as much as the dance. That's a great coach.
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT! And I would have busted a move too! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI loved that story, Vee! I can just picture Jakob and his fun -loving spirit. Thank goodness for grandchildren to lighten our lives!
ReplyDeleteKids are such a good tonic...especially boys! Of course I'm partial to boys because that's mostly what I have. They are all very sweet and it's nice to hear the kids having fun at their ball game and not taking things too seriously. Lots of hugs to you, Diane
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome story! I would have laughed until I cried, seeing that! It must have done your heart good, too.
ReplyDeleteOur boys are growing up!
We did! The entire place was roaring with laughter. It's how I decided that I wasn't insane... You know emotions are so capricious and, at first, I worried that I was laughing too intensely, but everyone else was, too. I received it as a gift. I believe that it was.
DeleteLOL, Vee. What a GREAT story. Gotta love those dancers in our midst. He "danced with joy before the Lord". Congrats for his scoring the only run! I am like you- I tend to isolate when I am 'wounded'. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteOh how I would have loved to see all this transpire. What a game to remember for him and you. Too funny! Glad you got out for the home games.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story!! : )
ReplyDeleteSweet story Vee! So glad you are getting out and taking one "game" at a time :).
ReplyDeleteAwwww, what a sweet story! I think an angel whispered in your grandson's ear to dance just to make his grandma laugh. Yes, I do believe that dancing was ordained.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this story, Vee; what a character your Jakob is! Oh, those boys can be so much fun. :-D It sounds like he is really a good ball player, and I love that he scored the only run for his team. I also got a kick out of the picture you took of the father and son talk behind the dugout. ;) Our son is almost 26, and sometimes I miss those fun days. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
Denise at Forest Manor
So good to see you out and about...such great photos of the happenings...congrats to Jakob for the score...
ReplyDeletewe are so going to miss the baseball, football and basketball that all the grands played in....Deeds is the only one left and she plays in band so we will still go any time the band is playing...xoxo
Oh I love, love, love it Vee! God gave you this precious darling grandson at a time when you needed to smile and remember there are still reasons to dance like no one's watching! Just precious! John would love this too, I am certain of it!
ReplyDeleteDancing and balling- Such a lovely boy!
ReplyDeletesummerdaisy.net
Laughter can be so healing - as can tears. I can just imagine the spectators roaring with glee at the sight of Jake dancing on second base. What a blessing he is.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is a great story!! I love that the Lord brings joy to our hearts, even in the midst of sadness! I am sure that John would have laughed as much as anyone else!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful story Vee! Yes, who could help but dance to that music?! What a brave soul you were to go to that ballgame; I would have been hiding out at home myself. But what a blessing to have the gift of laughter and friends. Sorrow and joy, they're all mixed together in this crazy, beautiful world. Blessings to you, dear friend. You continue to be in my prayers. xo Deborah
ReplyDeleteI love it! Of course he can dance on second base any time he wants!! Sweet boy...'making merry' just when you needed it most. Laughter is really the best medicine!
ReplyDeleteWhat an AWESOME post! Whoo hoo Jakob! ♫ ♥ ♪
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun to watch them play? Jacob sounds very entertaining as well as skilled in that he can dance while he plays the field. That sounds so cute! I'm sure Dad/coach was chagrined but the spectators must have loved it!
ReplyDeleteVee, what a grand day! He sounds adorable! I'm not a huge sports fan, but I'd like to watch any game *he* was in!
ReplyDeleteGood for that wise coach!!! May Jakob continue to be blessed with joy and agility and the ability to multitask. Glad you got out to the games. They really have a way of getting us out of ourselves. Blessings on you. xo
ReplyDeleteToo cute. And I agree...wise coach. Thanks for bring a smile today.
ReplyDeleteDelightful story of Jake and I hope he continues to dance through life whenever he hears the music. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI smiled all the way through this story, Vee. I greatly admire you for keeping your commitment to attend the boy's ballgames. It would have been a real shame to miss this moment. Jakob sounds like he knows how to get the job done while still having fun. I'll never hear The Locomotion again without thinking of this sweet story.
ReplyDeleteI love little moments like this and how can a grandma not giggle at those little antics! You are so blessed with those sweet little boys who are growing up so fast!
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