Stepping In Today...Baseball, Hotdogs -Leaving no time for Apple Pie and Chevrolet!

Remember the commercial that sang that little tune?  Well, I'm convinced that baseball and hotdogs went together for the mere reason that during baseball season a parent of a serious participant has no time to prepare a big dinner, and certainly no time to bake the apple pie!  The once cool "Chevy"  has become the SUV and Mini Van full of equipment.

The parental commitment to have our children excel in a particular sport is one of great demand and sacrifice.  Because its baseball season, I'm writing this about our "baseball families" but the same commitment is in demand for our Lacrosse, Football, Soccer, and all athletes, as well as our Cheerleaders, Dance participants and musical/acting talents who play piano, guitar, sing or are a part of the Glee or Drama Clubs.

Our childs passion for a sport or talent quickly becomes ours.  I've spent many the Memorial Day weekends on a green grass field with enthusiasm and pride, while others enjoyed family BBQ's and camping trips.  I've spent many summers on the same field, while others headed for the beach and even Disneyland.  I've sat in the cold with hot chocolate and blankets during fall ball, while I would have liked to be in front of my fireplace with a glass of wine.  I've cooked protein packed chicken when I yearned to make pasta and sauce, and wore my business suit to games just to make it in time.  Simply put, a childs commitment will only be as great as the parents who see it through.

I've often heard the term "soccer mom" used in a derogatory way, meaning that mom is a bit crazy..though to me, it holds another meaning.  It's a mom who is ultra supportive and committed to their childs athletic success, has true team spirit and is strict at all costs to be sure they follow the rules and score with their full God-given ability!

To some it seems odd...giving up our summers, holidays, vacations for  a wrestling practice, a dance recital or a baseball tournament.  But who said they were "our" summers anyway?  Once you become a parent it seems the "ours" is replaced by the "theirs".  I know its out of hand at times, and I would be lying if I didn't say I grumbled once in a while, but isn't it our job to support our children to be the very best that they can be?  Have you ever realized that the most talented children on the team are not necessarily the most natural skilled, but rather the most taught?  They are the ones who have given their ultimate dedication to excel in the sport in which they choose.  They are the ones whose parents don't miss a practice, a game, or an exercise that will make their child better.  They are the ones who have parents that are willing to put most other things aside and focus on the future Derek Jeter that they are trying to raise.  I write this with a chuckle, knowing full well that not all of our children will be the next ARod, but I assure you, some will...and they will because of the crazy no-nonsense support, love and dedication of the parents that are yelling praise and clapping hands on the bleachers and in the stands, in the dugout, and on the field, where their devotion doesn't yeild.  In the cold, in the heat, in the spring and in the fall, we just sit here anticipating the Home run call! 

 Obsession, as its called by some, is simply devotion to our daughters and sons. Thank you to the dedicated parents that remain active and committed.  Though I often wonder are we committed and doing a great job supporting or children,or should we be committed, because we're borderline crazy?!

Dedicated to the WI Gold and my husband.

Stepping Out until next time...Laura Vomvos