Without getting into details, I'll just say it ... Jake won't be playing baseball for the same organization this year. We knew he wouldn't be on the same team (the one you all have followed him on over the past three years) again this season, and with good reason ... he just wasn't as good as he needed to be to play on it. But, he could have played on a different team ... however, he wasn't selected for that one either.
We've known this for months and months, and I haven't said anything because I'm not convinced I would be fair in sharing the story of how it all came about ... therefore, I don't want to even attempt to explain. The only thing I know for sure is that Jake is taking it better than either Big Daddy or me ... ever expected him to.
God works is mysterious ways.
We've all heard that saying, right? I think we've all believed and taken comfort in that simple phrase at some point in our lives. So, back in October when Jake came to us, over the moon excited, about joining "chess club", we tried to embrace it with the enthusiasm he was showing. Neither Chris or I knew a lick about chess, so that proved to be a tad difficult, but we tried. And we succeeded.
Sadly, I didn't even have a clue as to how he even learned to play the game of chess. I know, pathetic, aren't I? Never, EVER, have I claimed to be a GOOD parent ... and you know it. Just sayin'.
Anyway, he jumped on the chess bandwagon and really enjoys it. He has taken part in several tournaments over the past couple months, in additional to attending instruction at the school twice a week. He found something he loves. Something he's good at. And he is very content. Both Big Daddy and I have found it very easy to support Jake in this new sport he's taken on and we are extremely happy and proud of him.
And then some little punks had to tease him about it. You know, because if he's not on the baseball team and he is playing chess ... then he must be some sort of geek, right? And the nerds get picked on obnoxiously. And relentlessly. Ya know, so they start to question themselves as to why they like the things they like. Well ... according to some dip wads at his school ... that is how it goes, anyway.
Of course when I found out about this ... teasing ... bullying ... whatever you want to call it, I got angry. I was livid. I mean, for cryin' out loud ... leave the stinkin' kid alone and let him do what makes him happy. He's not hurting anyone, is he? NO! So why do some kids have to make something out of nothing??? Why do they have to find joy in making someone else feel miserable?
Seeing that my almost twelve year old son is obviously more mature than me at times ... it was ME those jerks at school were making miserable, not Jake. He stared and laughed at me as I was having my conniption fit ...
"Mom? Seriously, chill out! I mean, someday these kids are going to be sitting in my office ... asking for job ... and I won't have forgotten this!!"
He never ceases to amaze me.
Someday ... I wanna grow up to be just like my kid.
