Ritual

Ethan,

Every night before I go to sleep I come in and check on you.  You have usually been asleep for a while and you're completely out.  I stand there and think about where we have been and where we are going.  I so look forward to the days when we go camping together and fishing and hopefully soon, flying together.  I also can't wait to play a game of catch with you, that's why my old glove is in your room.  

When I was growing up I played baseball for a season.  I loved it.  I had more fun playing baseball than I did soccer, but it just lasted one season.  Looking back on it now I think a reason I played one season was because the coach said I needed some practice catching and throwing.  Your Uncles weren't interested in helping me and your grandfather was either too busy or just not willing to help.  So for a few days your grandmother and I played catch.  

The coach asked how my practice was going and I was too embarrassed to tell him who my partner was, so I just said "Ok"  Let's face it mothers and sons are not supposed to play catch.  I felt like the pariah of the team, and any other team I joined would be the same.  I learned too late that it's not who people think you are that matters, it's who you know you are.  Keep your glove open and your eye on the ball.

Dad