Summer Break

June has been such a busy month for us! Baseball, the end of the school year and family visiting. Change in routine is always hard for Jackson, though he had fun at Turtle Days and enjoyed his "Survivor" party, all of it added to the mixed up routine.
I've found myself under an unusual amount of stress lately too, and it dawned on me that I am equipt with some coping abilities that my son lacks. He isn't able to filter, prioritize or ignore like I am. With him it isn't sink or swim; it's more like tread water until someone throws me a lifejacket.

Using that frame of reference, I try to be patient and reassure him. I'd like to say I'm doing well with that, but alas, I'm not. My abilty to cope and adapt is being pushed beyond my limits, I can only imagine what it's like for him.
And this gives me even more appreciation for my son and how he approaches life. He's thrown in, and has to survive the waves. Sometimes, he adapts quickly and others, he struggles to find his way...

Outta the park!

I haven't written here yet about Jackson's "homerun". Here is the letter I wrote to the editor of the local paper (thanks momma, for suggesting I share it here!):

Dear Editor,

Jackson just finished his second season as a "bat boy" for the major boys team Egolfs IGA. A simple cheers and thank you hardly seem enough for his team mates and coaches. Doug Brown didn't hesitate to include him on the team again this year. Nick Brandt and Kevin Smallwood tolerated his "teasing" and kept him safe in the dugout. Tony Nash pitched to him in the batting cage on more than one occasion and made sure he was included in the "good game" ritual at the end of each game. All of the young men on this team showed him compassion and engaged him in the dugout and at the park. From them, he learned the fine art of spitting sunflower seeds and the "rally" cry. On any given night, Jackson couldn't wait to ride his bike to the park for a night of baseball, complete with snacks from the concession stand.

During the final game of the regular season, the coaches and players of the Sterling Water team included Jackson in the final inning--taking the field to allow him an "at bat" after a tough loss to the Egolfs team. The boys on this team gave up errors allowing a short hit up the first base line to become a homerun. The cheers from the crowd created an atmosphere charged with celebration, acceptance, and love; and brought a special kid another opportunity to be included. As parents, we are again humbled by the attitude of this amazing town we call home. It is difficult to put into words how much it means to us.

We also extend kudos and thanks to girls major coach Dan Krill and the young ladies on the Shambaugh & Sons team who included a bat girl on their team this year. These girls demonstrated that the acceptance and inclusion knows no limits.

The Youth League gave two kids experiences that will help them grow and become more confident in their everyday interactions. The rest of the world could learn a lot from this small town with a big heart!

Sincerely,

Dan & Heather Ostrowski

Nothing like life in a small town!