The Girls of Spring

It’s been a cold start to spring in Chicagoland; we just came out of one of the coldest Marches on record. Up in the Northern Midwest, high school sports are on hold till the snow melts so I guess we don’t have it so bad. I have been at my daughter Cassie’s softball games where it’s not uncommon to see moms in sleeping bags watching the games, (including Cassie’s mom).

The other day after a double header that was played in snow flurries, I was driving home not paying too much attention to anything when Trace Atkins’ song, “Your gonna miss this” came on the radio. Now, I know for a fact life goes flying by — I try to take it in and each day I’m inspired by my kids and their friends. Especially kids like my daughter, a three-sport athlete with good grades and in orchestra to boot, but I digress.

Back to that song, there’s not a time I drive by that stadium and don’t think about the Friday’s we spent watching my kid play football, and the anxiety you feel before a big game —especially in a town that places next week’s mood on a win or a loss. Then you wonder how hard it must be on the kids? When you take it all into consideration — the band, the friendships, the wins and even a few losses these kids become adults in the blink of an eye.

Watching these girls play softball when it’s cold outside is interesting, they are out there getting it done, and showing love for the game while their parents are nestled in weather pods (picture). Meanwhile, these girls endure hours of practice each week, time away from home, getting up early and learning what it means to be a teammate all for the love of the game. I’m not sure how today’s kids cope with it all but most do, and do a pretty good job at it. Next time I’m at a game and the wind is biting me in the face I will laugh it off. I will remember it. Because I know for a fact in a few years I’m gonna miss it.

RR