A Simple Path – To the Making of You
“I never had a policy; I have just tied to do my very best each and every day.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
Andrew was invited to play on a summer collegiate baseball team in Topeka. The one-hour drive there and back home again is a little much on his 2002 Ford Ranger so I offered to drive him on Sunday; plus I wanted to watch my son play.
I sat on the bleachers munching peanuts as Andrew played second base and got a base hit in his four at bats. Going one-for-four isn’t bad, but I could tell he wanted more.
After the game, I waited while he changed out of his uniform. Once finished, Andrew tossed his bat bag over his shoulder and strolled out of the dugout without much energy. He didn’t see the boy waiting for him.
“Will you sign my baseball?” the young fan asked my son.
Andrew took the ball and signed his first autograph. Afterwards, we walked to the car in silence. It was still too soon to talk about the game.
On the way home, I told Andrew I thought it was cool he was asked for his autograph. He shrugged it off by commenting that it wasn’t even one of his better games.
I suggested to Andrew the reason he was asked to autograph the baseball wasn’t because he had a great game, but because he was in the game. No doubt the boy was impressed that my son had come this far – many don’t.
Celebrate the making of you, I told Andrew. Celebrate the long hours you’ve put into the batting cages. Celebrate how you hit baseball after baseball until your hands bleed. Celebrate the times you are on a practice field instead of in front of the television. Celebrate how baseball is making you into a young man full of passion.
This is what the boy must have seen last in Andrew last Sunday night. This is what I see every day.
Sometimes the simple path to the making of you isn’t defined by one great moment, but by all the moments when the more difficult choice is made.
Last Sunday night was the perfect reminder to tell my son, and myself, to be sure to celebrate the moments that celebrate the making of you; and the making of me – even on the nights when we go one-for-four.
What is A Simple Path?
This post is in A Simple Path, a series of short pieces inspired by my own life experiences. Each post is a simple path to experiencing something wonderful: maybe seeing life from a different perspective, or celebrating its beauty. Click here to read all posts in the series.
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Comments
9 Responses to “A Simple Path – To the Making of You”
What do you think?
Alex,
This is simply the most beautiful sentiment. Yes! To celebrating each step, each moment…yes! to all that you reflect in this piece. A wonderful affirmation on this day
Well said Alex,
We take many steps forward in our development.Many of the steps, we can’t remember however they all add up in the end…….keep walking.
be good to yourself
David
Thanks for today’s inspiration, Alex. We should always remember that in times when we’re not pleased with our current achievements. We should indeed celebrate every moment that contributes to making us better persons.
Reminds me of the old statement Alex that it’s best to get out of the stand and onto the field if you want to make things happen. Andrew is doing that by simply being himself and that’s what inspires others. A lesson for all of us. Great pic, he’s a sure chip off the old block!
Joy, every step is beautiful along the way!
Faith provides me with the balance to keep walking David – thanks for your support!
Joyce, life is difficult that’s why taking the time to celebrate provides moments of satisfaction. I hope you are celebrating, too.
I’ll be sure your thoughts with my son John,he will appreciate your encouragement.
Hi Alex,
Excellent post my friend. Exactly, each day we take steps to get to our goal and vision in life. We should celebrate those steps. The young boy realized this and saw all the work Andrew has put in to get to where he is right now. Very inspiring message. Thanks for sharing Alex
It’s possible the fan saw past games and knew how good of a player your son was. That’s a powerful message in itself. As you slowly build your reputation and experience, it should become easier to bounce back from failures and bad games, because you already have such a rich history of success. Hopefully your son can reframe that autograph as a positive thing and use it as inspiration to keep going. He’s already come so far, right?
[...] the One.” It is a great collection and you can find many other great articles from her own.The BridgeMaker: A Simple Path to the Making of You – Alex Blackwell from the BridgeMaker shares a memorable story where his son was asked for [...]
Dia, yes my friend, we need to celebrate each and every step along the way.
He has come so far Steven; and I really like the re framing concept you mention – very empowering.