January 24

Brady's TVBR team hit the diamond for the first time in two and a half months this afternoon to take part in a tune-up tournament (of sorts. It's an actual tournament, but it's really more of a chance to get some playing time in before the high school season begins next month. And yes, it's very jarring to type "Brady" and "high school season" in the same sentence).

An 0-fer day at the plate left Brady emoting salty vibes as we headed back out to the car afterward, but he really had nothing to feel badly about. He was the starting pitcher for game one and tossed two scoreless innings. He also played innings in all three outfield positions and at first base and had a few solid defensive plays.

They wound up with a seven-inning 0-0 tie in the first game, and a 6-3 win in the second, which makes them the three-seed (out of nine teams) entering tomorrow. 

It was fun being out there again. It was a beautiful, sunny 60-degree day and it felt comfortable being at the ballpark (well, except when Brady was pitching because that always makes my heart race). Baseball has been a part of our family's life for a long time now, and it's always been a place where I've found friends and laughter and commiseration. And joy; definitely lots of that. And some tears, too, and that's okay, because tears are a valuable part of this life that God can use to teach many unique lessons.

It was nice to have a little break over Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I'm grateful to be starting a new baseball season soon, and I'm hopeful that Brady will enjoy the experiences that are to come.