A Mitt

This week Hayden and I traveled to Omaho, NE, for his baseball tourney during the College World Series there. We absolutely hated leaving Jace and Matt home (chemo timing wasn't good for the trip), but it was an experience Hayden and I will never forget.

On our way home, the flight attendant was a baseball fan. She inquired about Hayden's experience, and learned from Grandma that he hit a HOMERUN in this Slump Buster Triple Crown Tournament.:)  Hours later, as the plane landed, the intercom sounded:

"...And we'd like to wish the young man in row 8, Hayden from Idaho, congratulations on hitting a home run in his recent baseball tournament in Omaha, Nebraska, home of the College World Series!" 

Hayden's Homerun Ball 6-18-12

The people on the plane cheered.
I looked at my mom, and she looked at me in tears. (I guess we know why I cry so much...)
Then I said to her quietly, "If only they knew the better story..."

Hayden took $100 of his own to buy souvenirs on the trip. The first night  at the Kent State/Florida game, he found a Mizuno Mitt at a vendor's tent outside the CWS Ameritrade Stadium.  It was a great buy at $96. When I found him caressing it, he said, "Mom, I'm going to get this mitt for Jace."
I replied, "No you aren't. He doesn't need a mitt. Buy yourself something honey. You are at the College World Series! Get yourself some souvenirs!"
He said, "Mom, I really want to get Jace this mitt. He would love it so much."
I paused. Hmmm. What do I say? How do I discourage this selfless act?
"We will be here all week; at least think about it, and don't spend all your money the 1st night."
He hesitantly agreed.

He didn't spend a penny the next two days.  Hayden harassed me until we went back Wednesday to buy the mitt for Jace. Unfortunately, the tent was closed because of rain. Hayd was sick. He had his heart set on that mitt. Thursday morning on our way to the airport he prayed the Mizuno tent would be open. He cheered out loud when he saw it was and the mitt was still there. Riding home from the airport, again caressing the mitt, Hayd said, "I can't wait to see the look on Jace's face..."

Homeruns are cool, but don't you agree...That's really the better story?

As we pulled into Hibbard last night, Jace greeted us 1/4 mile before our house on his bike. Hayden jumped out of the car, hugged his brother and got on the bike. Jace automatically jumped up on the pegs, and Hayden peddled him home.

I really don't deserve such amazing kids.
Wow I love these boys.