What do you do when you're all alone?

In the world of baseball there is so much to be grateful for.   We are truly blessed to be in a world that affords you the opportunity to live out your life’s dream.   Even in the minor leagues, where the pay is minimal and the lifestyle can leave much to be desired, we are surrounded by so much talent and people that are just happy for the chance to do what they love – even if you don’t know at what point that will end.
When David and I got married, I already knew what the baseball life looked like.   Since we started dating in 9^th grade, I was blessed with the chance to witness and share many critical experiences throughout his baseball career.   I had the opportunity to see him flourish all through high school and get drafted our senior year.   When he decided to attend the University of Virginia, I saw him transition from a shortstop to a second baseman in the blink of an eye and adjust as well as anyone could have hoped.  Was I nervous along the way?  Sure, but I have always had faith that things would work out the way they were intended to.  Despite the ups and downs that this lifestyle brings, I have never ceased to be proud him and his unwavering efforts.    While he had many successful years, none were completely absent of struggles.
I have heard many use the word “terrible” to describe David’s junior year at Virginia – Yankees included – but I have a hard time agreeing.  I suppose that relevant to his sophomore year, and his performance at the Cape Cod summer league only a few months prior, it may have been just that – terrible.   Still, these trials and tribulations are exactly what baseball is about.    That same year David was drafted by the Yankees, albeit, some would say he was drafted low while others will say he was drafted high.   In reality though, all we ever wanted was for him to have the chance to follow his dreams, regardless of money or accolades.    Drafts, in any sport, are never a true science.   There are many guys that go in the first round, are paid millions and never make it.   Just the same, you have guys that are drafted very low, paid practically nothing, and become all-stars.    Taking risks is a huge part of the game.
So much about this sport is mental and while I have always considered that to be about 60% of the equation, people have told me that it is as much as 90%.    I have to admit that living this lifestyle is just as much a mental game for me as it is for him.   I spend many lonely nights at home wishing he were by my side.   I have come to the realization that when we have children I will practically be a single parent during baseball season.  It is easy to feel alone sometimes, but I know that I am far from it.   Through Pro Athletes Outreach and Baseball Chapel, I have been fortunate enough to meet many amazing women who are going through the same experiences as me.
Throughout my time here this season, I have accepted the fact that we have no control over what will happen and for the first time in my life I can say that David and I are exactly where we need to be.   I had a bit of a melt down at bible study last week when I was sharing my feelings with the other wives.   The last few years have been the hardest we have ever had to endure, but I realize now that if they hadn’t played out in such a way, we would never be where we are today or half the people we have grown to become.
I have said it before and I will say it again.   We are the sum of all of our experiences.   These experiences are what make us who we are today.     I also know that God would never give us more than we can handle.   This is the path that He has chosen for us and we will continue to work hard at it every day.    While it may not be easy sometimes, it always helps to know that He is by our side every step of the way.