Do you ever feel like God put you in the exact place you needed to be in that moment? I’ve had a couple instances of that over the last few weeks, both times at friends’ get togethers with a random assortment of people gathered. The celebrations included connections from different places all sharing a common friend. Even though I didn’t know everyone, I felt like I did and had lengthy conversations with people I hadn’t met before.
Our discussions involved everything from Miracle League baseball to the best place to buy absorbent bandana bibs. It was awesome to meet new, friendly faces. Both parties we were at, we stayed way longer than I had planned, but it was time well spent. Joining friends out on a farm for a potluck, I met someone whose nephew also has cerebral palsy. It was clear the two have a special bond and she spent lots of time with him. She told me about his games playing baseball with the Miracle League and we also discussed surgery, school and everything in between. Others there did a great job loving on my boys, even if it was their first time meeting them. Gage delighted everyone with his charm and giggles and Caleb got to take a ride in the side-by-side. He even came home with a new prized possession—an old cow tag that he shows to everyone. Is still rides in the car with us everywhere we go. When I took Gage to school the next day, his chair was still covered in dried mud and blue cupcake frosting, a sure sign of a good time.
A few weeks after that, we visited some other friends who host a Memorial Day BBQ every year. Even though we’ve been multiple times in the past, it was my first time talking with some of the other “regulars.” The host’s sister works for SPS. I was sharing about Gage going to Kindergarten in August and how I’m still in disbelief but had a really great feeling about his classroom teacher. She asked who it was, and when I said the name, her face lit up and she raved about how much she loved this amazing woman. I may have teared up a little and it made me oh so happy to hear that from someone who knew her well and had worked with her. I’ve only met Gage’s new teacher on one occasion, so affirmation of my gut feeling was wonderfully reassuring.
As the night went on, a neighbor from across the street and her family joined the party. After meeting Gage, she told me about a program I’d never heard of – TOPSoccer. She works for Lake Country Soccer and it’s something fairly new they’ve started. Leagues start at age 5, so she encouraged me to sign Gage up in the fall. As she talked about kids playing with buddies they’re matched with and a child in a wheelchair scoring a goal, the smile never left her face.
Another person I met that night was a mom who noticed Gage’s “I Heart Bacon” bandana bib and told me about someone who makes and sells really cute ones that she discovered at St. Jude’s. Although this woman was facing a MAJOR battle in the form of a cancer diagnosis for her baby boy, she still radiated kindness and joy. She spoke about her journey with such poise and a spirit of gratitude which really made an impression on me. She brought bubble gloves for all the kids and smiled happily as she watched them play. The bubble blowing transitioned into an epic end of the night dance party in the driveway! It was amazing.
Looking back on both of these celebrations, I’m just so happy that my family and I were there. I know it wasn’t by accident. Memories of Gage rolling a ball and squealing with delight with a friendly teenager, or Caleb learning a new handshake won’t soon be forgotten. They are good reminders that the effort to go places and do things is worth it. I’m grateful that we have those opportunities.