This kid made my day!

Last week, the Challenger Baseball Team travelled to Port Charlotte to play their baseball team. We went last year and I remember it being especially fun. I also remember Ryan tumbling down the bleacher stairs with a piece of pizza in his hand - and he managed to keep his pizza safe.

This year, we got there a bit early and the coach was giving the early bird kids a buddy. To the two girls that he selected for Ryan, the coach said, "Don't tell him he's cute; he'll railroad you!" I laughed that the coach knew this - and knew he needed to warn them!

So after a little bit, I look up and notice that Ryan is no longer with the cute girls. Instead, he is crawling all over this kid. And this kid is having a great time! He spent the entire game catering to Ryan's every whim. He snuggled, he chased, he held, he played. And I had the best time watching.


But that wasn't the best part. The best part was that he intentionally switched buddies and requested Ryan. He was with Ryan last year and really hoped to see him again. I can't quite find the words to explain what it meant to me that someone specifically asked for my kids. I usually spend way to much time worrying that no one wants to hang with my kids - that they aren't someone's "first choice". (Yes, I know how awful that sounds. And yes, I know that it is messed up.) And here is this junior in high school who waited for my Ryan!

And that's not even the end of it. While eating pizza after the game, his friends were sitting on the left side of the bleachers, and this kid (who has a name) sat next to Ryan, helped him with his soda, got him more pizza and just loved on Ryan. Yes, a junior guy, who is popular and macho, stayed with Ryan and helped him. And he acted like it was no big deal.

Even though I told him how amazing I thought he was, he has no idea how much I appreciate him choosing my son! It brings tears to my eyes. I am so impressed with this kid! And he will probably never know the impact of his kindness. Thank you, M!