The dreaded day has come and gone

[greenandblue]

DD's LAST OFFICIAL SOFTBALL GAME
We knew this day would come, and it was as tough as I thought it would be. My daughter has been playing for 14 years - 28 seasons of either Little League, travel ball, high school fastpitch or high school slowpitch! My DD was commenting at the beginning of her junior year that she wasn't sure if she wanted to continue playing in college. Then last summer, she decided that she would miss it too much, and wanted to find somewhere to play. Chances to play in other states (Div II or III) were available, so she talked it out with us and others. Now, unknown to many, this is the same child that would cheer and do a happy dance when a practice would be cancelled because of rain. We didn't push her one way or the other, and as she was asked again by her coaches about the out of state colleges, she just told them she thanks for their help but she didn't want to go to school far away. No more was said, and she picked an in state school, got accepted and has enjoyed her senior year--21 more school days as of this afternoon at 4pm!

So my point is...(and I do have one) to all of you who have young DD's (or DS's), enjoy every waking minute of their/your sport-filled life. From the closeness you'll share ~ to the smelly-cleats car ride on the way home. It will be over before you know it.


After the tears last night (hers and mine), I then realized I no longer will have the excuse of practices or games to avoid cooking dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wadeintothem]

Yes it will.. I've been there.

WHo knows though.. some of us decide it really isnt over and become the umpires...

[3Bsnag]

When my kid goes off to college, I'm either going to become the most hateful person on the planet or a raging alcoholic. Maybe I'll combine the two and just be a mean drunk 24, 7. Either way, I doubt I will handle it gracefully.

My heart hurts for you and every other parent experiencing this right now. I wish you all well and look forward to the stories of the new joys your kids will experience and share.

Unless she was a mean sh!t, then just turn her bedroom into the workout room.

[geterdone]

Trust me I know. Our daughter graduates in a couple of weeks from a great university all because of softball. We are proud that the journey is over but it happened too fast. Just the other day I was taking fastballs off my shins, now she is an adult. We hope and pray we have done a good job preparing her for the rest of her life, only time will tell. Now that we reflect, the what ifs come in to play. We really wish we appreciated all the little things along the way that we took for granted because the time went by so fast. Parents, enjoy you child everyday! This time goes by so fast and you don't realize it. Cherish every day,time flies. But I guess you all know that and I'm preaching to the choir. Sucks for us because we just lived it and didn't celebrate it. good luck all. Excuse my spelling.

[Lefty's Dad]

...Unless she was a mean sh!t, then just turn her bedroom into the workout room.

Are you saying I should wait?

[artomatic]

greenandblue, these types of posts always put things in perspective.
if i am lucky i will be able to enjoy watching my youngest kid for a few more years...knock on wood...
when it's done, i will remember getting on the road before the sun comes up.
driving home, waiting for my kid to fall asleep so i can change the radio from hip hop to classic rock.
looking over and seeing her asleep in the passenger seat and getting that peaceful feeling....stuff like that.
we've made alot of friends because of her involvement in this game.

well, and the smelly cleats...

geterdone...that was really well said and puts things in perspective.
it does seem like yesterday that i was signing up my 10 yr old for something called girls fastpitch softball, and our little 5 yr old with no front teeth convinced us to sign her up also because she wanted to be like her big sister.
now the 10 yr old is a beautiful 18 yr old (with a brand new tattoo ), and the little toothless 5 yr old is a beautiful 14 yr old ready to start high school next fall.

[geterdone]

geterdone...that was really well said and puts things in perspective.
it does seem like yesterday that i was signing up my 10 yr old for something called girls fastpitch softball, and our little 5 yr old with no front teeth convinced us to sign her up also because she wanted to be like her big sister.
now the 10 yr old is a beautiful 18 yr old (with a brand new tattoo ), and the little toothless 5 yr old is a beautiful 14 yr old ready to start high school next fall.

Art- truce?

[geterdone]

My kid has a big room. I was thinking it would make a good home theater.

Back on topic though mine is only 14 so I can't even begin to think what it is going to be like when she is done, I hope it doesn't happen before she reaches the "end of the line"

thats my point. 4 years is a short period of time. you will see, make it a movie room.

[3Bsnag]

... I was thinking it would make a good home theater.

Oohhh, much better idea! Then I wouldn't have to lie about working out.

And yes LD, you have to wait. Too much risk stuffing them in a closet now. Ahhh, the good old days.

For all you new empty-nesters or less-nesters, how far away (driving hours) are your kids going to school?

[MoeFoes]

Wow.. Great post.
I am so proud of all my DD's. 12U, 10U, & 8u. We have started a tradition. After pitching practice my 8U & 10U walk up to me and put the last ball in the bucket and say "I love you daddy". Hugs and a kiss on the cheek follow. They should kiss my bloody shins. After working on her dropping & blocking the ball during catching practice my 12U tells me "Nice pitch Dad". What a liar? Just like her Dad. When they each leave my parental coaching clutches I shed a tear or two. When they leave for college i will also cry? I told them at a very young age that if they don't go to college then "Daddy Goes to The Bahamas". I guess I'll never see the Bahamas. But thats ok. My DD's going to college mean more to me than laying on the beach & drinking margaritas with the ole lady. Damn! I never thought I would say that! Sorry Babe.The closest your getting to the Bahamas is Santa Monica. Now that sucks!!