And sometimes it doesn't matter...

For a moment in time things like lost data on a hard drive, frustrations at work and writer's block really do not matter.

It's that special moment in life you'd like to cherish - one you'd stop if you could in order to look at the glow of your child's face forever that makes everything else in life just what they say - "the small stuff".

Today was Jake's last tee-ball game. It was a fast season. All the kids improved in their skills and knowledge of baseball. It's remarkable that after twenty weeks or so these kids actually know how to play the game better than they did when they started. At 4-6 years old, it is truely an amazing feat by our head coach - coach Albert.

At the end of the game, the coach gave a season ending speech that made some parents and some kids cry. There were hugs and "hope to see you again'' well wishes. It was, to be honest, kinda sad. I spent at least 20 weeks with these kids. And now I probably won't see them again.

They awarded the usual game ball to one of the kids and then awarded the MVP to the Most Valuable Player of the season. The player who always listened, always tried hard, never quit and was the heart of the team. They awarded it to Jacob. The smallest, quickest, and second youngest player on the team.

I wanted this to happen for my own selfish reasons. As part of the coaching staff I was unaware of this. The other coaches voted without me. And when I heard his name, I was just as overjoyed as Jacob. He looked up, unexpecting the award, and smiled at me. I smiled back, really trying hard to fight back the tears. I know, its just tee-ball, but truely - its more than just tee-ball. It's about Jacob loving a sport that I love. It's about Jacob always wanting to excel. It's about Jacob, on his own, without me holding his hand, or throwing the ball for him, or hitting for him, all on his own, doing the things he's learned to do - by himself out on the field.

I had to fight back the tears. (James - you would have cried if you were there) And I hooted and hollered like any proud dad would. Hopefully there will be many more moments like this. But this was the first. And its a constant reminder to me that he's not a baby anymore. He's growing up. He's learning new things. And he's doing well.

Congrats Jacob! I love you!!!
-papa

Here are two pictures I took of him today.