Over last weekend, Ryder had a baseball game. In the last inning, a child on the other team, from another little league, had had a tough game, with HUGE frustrations, tears, meltdowns, tantrums, throwing equipment, and lots of ROUGH language. I later learned that it had been this way for 6 seasons. This kiddo was up to bat for his team, with two outs. Ryder was catcher. He hadn't played catcher for over 2 years, but can roam and it was needed. Ryder coached this little guy to breath through the pitch. After his first strike out, Ryder patted him on the helmet and told him he had this. When the child struck out, ending the game, he was ready to melt down again. Ryder took off his helmet and approached the kid as he was heading to his dug out. He asked if he could hug him. Ryder later told me he had anticipated the boy pushing him away. But instead, the child hugged him. He held on so tight. People overheard Ryder telling him that he had had a good game, that he had battled hard, and that the next time play each other, Ryder will be watching out for him. There was not a dry eye in the stands. every coach on their team affirmed Ryder. I watched the Lord allow my child bring comfort and healing to another human being that was hurting. It is such an honor and I am so proud to have a front row seat to witness what God's miracles and what he is doing in our son's life. There is such joy and HOPE in this next generation! Later that day, we received this email. We cried.
