Today is the day that my husband would have been 69 years old. Sadly, cancer took him from our lives 15 years ago. I decided to record this little event for those who knew him, and those who can appreciate how the things we do really do matter.
About a year after Richard’s death, I walked through a grocery store near our home, and spotted a woman staring at me, and she looked familiar. Catching my eye, she approached and began talking. She asked, did I remember her son? It seems he had played on a baseball team that my husband coached for one of our sons. I thought I remembered the child. He was a tall thin boy, who was lithe and actually quite able, but very tremulous. He seemed reluctant to dive into baseball and enjoy it.
I remember at the practices, many times he was the subject of much attention. He was a lefty, and my husband was determined to make a 1st baseman out of him. I often saw him cringe as my husband singled him out and bellowed at him to reach, to block, to throw. The praise was profuse, and encouragement constant. They were very young, I remember, and these were early times of skill building.
Anyway, back to the lady. She was so intense, and repeatedly professed how wonderful it was she had come across me. She said, “I hope you know how much I appreciate what your husband did for my son! He just seemed afraid of life, afraid to even try to do things. He was so shy, he just couldn’t seem to believe in himself. Something about that season of baseball changed him completely! To this day, I credit your husband with changing the course of his life. He let him know he could do it, and hard work would provide whatever result he wanted. Most of all, he learned that if you don’t try, nothing will go your way. It was so important, that he just never was the same again. From head down, he learned to walk head up, such was the change!”
Now I have to tell you, if that conversation had not taken place, I would maybe never have thought of the child again. He was one of so many, and I am not really sure which year or which team he belongs to. And yet, a life was changed, by a brush in life; a coincidence of timing, and a dedicated Father that was married to me. How sweet! Happy Birthday Richard!
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Comments: 43
Oftentimes, we all take too much for granted in life..........we never realize how, in just seconds, life can change dramatically. I know only too well....my hubby almost died back in March of an abdominal aortic aneurysm....he was driving his work truck from IA to IA....220 miles, with an aneurysm.....however, by the grace of God, he survived......had a 4 1/2 hr. operation, and the doctors said he's a miracle....90 to 92% of all people with this die...immediately.....I am so very, very thankful.....our lives completely turned upside down....we have learned what IS so important, what is insignificant in life. Life is so fragile.....we must live it to the fullest!
Thanks so much for this great post!
Some of the most precious moments in life are those in which appreciation is expressed and positive results recognized.
You have much room for pride.
Thank-You for Sharing! I Believe You were meant to see that woman that day!
And what a Blessing you are for sharing this memoir.
Congratulations! You have been selected as the Member Of The Week for "Let’s Get To Know Each Other." This content has been featured on this post. I hope this brings you a boost in points! If you have time, please take a moment to go view the content for the other Member Of The Week.
Here from Helping Out Members Of The Week - 10/8-10/14/2011
That is one thing people need to do more often. Let others know how much they appreciated them and what they do or have done for them.
I work with children in a secular school off campus Bible class. I want kids to remember what I taught them about Jesus when I'm long gone from this earth.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.
thanks for sharing
Stopping by from "Let's Get to Know Each Other".
There have been some times on Gather that I almost gave up and when I think about how what I write might help someone... even if it's in the future... just posting it here... is important... even if I don't get feedback.
One early morning many years ago I woke up ... and felt urged to sit and write something. Within minutes a man wrote that he was heading to work.. and saw my article and he felt it was meant for him. See God knew the timing and as reluctant as I was to get out of bed.... I did follow the urge... and that taught me a lot. It's his purpose and his timing... and we just need to follow those urges...feelings or thoughts.
Your husband probably followed his feelings and did not realize he was changing the course of this man's life... but God knew... and Wow... what a gift to have this women let you know the end result. :)