April 28

Isaac's game tonight began as many of his team's games have started this Little League season, with them getting pounded ugly-style by the opposition (mostly thanks to subpar defense). In fact, after two innings, the score was a very lopsided 0-7 (and, as I found out later, the head coach was so annoyed that he sent an assistant coach into the dugout to give the boys a stern talking-to). I braced myself for a tough outing, but then something wonderful happened: Blue fought back.

There were a few walks and a few hits and a dropped strike three that eventually led to a run (thanks to a freakishly fleet-footed boy on his team who has turned the art of manufacturing runs via the dropped third strike into a legitimately reliable Thing). 

And then they tied the score. And then they pulled ahead for good and won 12-9. It was agonizing and exhausting and exhilarating and thrilling all at once.

And it was also wonderful, if the smile on this kiddo's face is any indicator of what was. And for that smile, I am forever grateful.

And beyond that, I am grateful for the very salient reminder that although our circumstances may seem beyond bleak at times and we can't imagine a way through to the other side, redemption is always, always, always a possibility.