I always assumed that Sarah Kate was the last one picked in softball. It didn’t really matter, because it’s not like the draft order is public knowledge like in the NFL. A few weeks ago, Coach Archie’s wife told me (and he confirmed it last week) that he chose Sarah Kate. He saw potential in her, and he ended up being right. At least, I assume he was right, since she got the President’s Award. 🙂
A benefit of softball that I didn’t expect: Sarah Kate’s running has improved – significantly – since she started. I’m not sure what to attribute it to, since she didn’t actually do a LOT of running, but we’ll take it. Her running gait even looks different – I’d say it’s an actual run now, not just a really fast walk. Even other players’ parents/grandparents noticed it.
Remind me again why we’re paying for therapy?
I forgot to mention on Tuesday that Coach Archie’s daughter caught a pop fly to end the tiebreaker game on Monday. She played at pitcher all season and dropped a few, so it was only fitting that she ended the season on a high note.
I learned something unexpected about Sarah Kate and softball after the closing ceremonies. I jokingly asked Coach Darrell, who was always standing near her in the outfield during the games, if he was going to hear her chatty voice in his sleep now that the season was over. He laughed a little, then confessed that he depended on her to know what the count and score was. Without any prodding, Sarah Kate had taken it upon herself to track not just runs, but outs, pitches, and strikes, as well.
Who knew? I just thought she was out there being chatty.
Remember how I always say that Sarah Kate doesn’t see herself as different? Case in point: she asked me on Monday if I thought she’d be picked for All-Stars. She knows no limitations.
Surprise! Sarah Kate wants to play softball again in the fall. Am I excited about it? Not particularly, despite the fact that we were ALL IN this spring. But she’s benefited tremendously, so how can I say no?
Super Special Soccer Saturday is tomorrow, but I’m a lot less jazzed about it than I have been in the past. We’ve done regular softball, do we really want to do special soccer? Not that there’s anything wrong with it – I just feel like we’ve raised the bar a bit higher now.
But on the other hand – special soccer is just for fun, no competition, no crazy parents…it’s actually sounding better already.
Have a great weekend!
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This post is also linked to Conversion Diary‘s 7 Quick Takes.
A thought on #2 (which I admit I’m stealing from someone else). People with CP, especially those of us post-SDR, can’t just do things. It takes the brain and the body a little more time to connect. Sometimes I need to be taken though the motions a few times (literally) before it clicks. Then no problem. Her brain just needed extra time to learn to run, even just watching people.
I wonder if it was the act of having to run FAST (a relative term, of course) that made the difference. She’s been working on running for while, but always with a longer view – a one-mile fun run, or ten minutes on the treadmill at therapy, etc. Sprinting is much different that distance running, so I wonder if the “click” that you described came about because she was moving as fast as she could for a short distance.
Hmmm…
Em starts Miracle League in a few weeks! I hope she feels better the next morning than her old mom does after HER first game!
Way to go Sarah Kate!! Raise that bar!
I have absolutely loved reading your account of Sarah Kate’s softball experience. How totally inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Congrats on SK’s amazing accomplishments in softball! With two close adult friends with CP, her progress is outstanding!
Quote: “He laughed a little, then confessed that he depended on her to know what the count and score was. Without any prodding, Sarah Kate had taken it upon herself to track not just runs, but outs, pitches, and strikes, as well.”
I think she may be smart. Smart people who are a bit bored often do stuff like that.
Do not get her tested, more labels probably won’t help her, even if they are considered “positive”. Just make sure she has access to lots of books (moving them to the lower bookshelves and mentioning it casually is usually enough). Add a dictionary and a couple of books that are too difficult for average kids her age. Do not push her or tell her what to do, allow her to explore on her own.