Sometimes It's Worth It

...the frustration that is.

After all the belly-aching I did about Kayla's behavior during Bambino Buddy Ball games (which they were valid, honest complaints -she really did act that way!), I figure it's only fair to update on what happened Saturday. The last game of the season.

When we first arrived I found out there weren't enough 'buddies' yet so the coach didn't have anyone assigned to Kayla yet. I also realized I forgot her jersey shirt (oops!) so the coach had Kayla on the 'yellow' team/side. I walked her over to the dugout and hoped I was leaving her in good hands; even though she didn't have a 'buddy' to stay with her. She asked me 'where my yellow shirt?" I told her I forgot it at home (and felt bad about that!). I decided to not 'hover' around her and give her some space and independence, so I walked over to the other side of the bleachers. The next time I looked over to see where my sweet girl was I saw that she was topless.

Sigh ... this wasn't going to be a good night, I could feel it already. I went in to the dugout and asked her where her shirt was. She pointed to where she had thrown it on the ground. Upset that she didn't have a yellow shirt like every one else. Nice job mom.

Finally two 18 year old guys showed up/volunteered to help out as buddies and I grabbed one of them for Kayla. I gave him the spiel about her being a runner and watching out for that and just try to keep Kayla engaged.

I told myself I wasn't going to let it bother me if Kayla ran around; I wasn't going to let it upset and frustrate me. It was the last game and I just wasn't going to care.

She went with her buddy and also stood near this other kid on her team - Jay. Jay is going in to 4th grade and rode the same bus as Kayla last year. She adores this kid. She was so excited to see him on opening day and walked with him during the parade. We didn't see him much during any of the games she's played in because they've always been on different sides. If I'd known then what I realized at that last game I would have made sure she was always on the same side as Jay. I think it would have made a difference.

She stood next to her buddy and Jay throughout that whole inning. I was shocked not to see her running off. Absolutely shocked. Her buddy also knelt down so he was on her level pretty much the whole time and I could see him talking to her.

The only thing that happened in that inning is she didn't want anything to do with her glove. She kept taking it off, throwing it down, and then, finally running over to give it to me. But after giving me her glove she did go back out on the field with her buddy and stood back in her spot next to Jay.

When the inning was over and she came to the dugout I made sure I gave her a lot of praise for not running around out there and staying with her buddy and listening. I told her how proud I was of her and gave hugs and high-fives.

One more round of batting and then out to the field again. Again she stood by Jay. This inning didn't go as well as the first; however it was no where near what it has been in previous games. This inning she did take throw her hat a few times (which did upset me a little bit). She did leave her position near 3rd base and run around the pitchers mound but then she ran right back to 3rd base. She did that 2 or 3x. I didn't get upset or frustrated. I had to allow for some release of energy and boredom!

The best part was yet to come. After the game they lined up on the 1st and 3rd base sidelines. Their names were called and they received their trophies.

When Kayla came walking back to me with her trophy she was so, so excited. I can't even describe the look of excitement and pride on her face to have that little trophy (and of course I didn't bother to bring my camera!).

That is what made the frustrations of this season worth it. To see how happy she was to get that trophy. She kept holding it up for everyone to see. Of course Lucas wanted it and she actually said 'no' and was possessive with it (she usually gives in and shares readily with him). Walking back to the car she held it up and told anyone we passed "See? My trophy!" She read her name to one lady walking by us.

She didn't learn anything about the game of baseball, she didn't care to be out in the field, she had no idea what was going on. I felt frustrated and defeated after every game... but in the end...to see the twinkle in her eyes at this new prized possession...well, sometimes it's just all worth it.