these challengers are champions.

I wasn't sure. When someone has a little boy I think they picture lots of things. Maybe he'll be this or that, but for sure there will be a soccer or baseball game or two. Snips and snails and puppy dog's tails... right? I didn't really have time or energy to think of these things when Noah was born. But that's okay. I got better stuff. I got to celebrate every breath. I celebrated his first poop because it showed his body was working. I rejoiced when he could suck, swallow and breath when he drank his milk all at the same time...a skill that is not easy (I had no idea). I celebrated the first time I heard my child cry. This was the first time I heard his voice and he was over six weeks old. He was finally off the ventilator and it was one of the happiest days of my life. So I never saw it as missing out, but so fortunate that I could see what was really, truly relevant.

And then it happened. Right time, right place. I was reminded that he is a boy that can play soccer, play baseball, do "boy stuff" and certainly be anything he wants to be.

Recently, someone I don't know that well told me of a baseball league called the "challenger league." It is for kids with different abilities and if only all baseball games could be played the way that they play. There are teams and teamwork, but no scores, no practices and no competition. They go, in uniform, and just play to have fun. Even if a child is in a wheelchair he or she can play. EVERYONE gets a chance. And as a parent, you don't have to worry that your child will sit on the bench. I am thrilled. Smiling ear to ear for Noah and for every child that is getting the chance to play. To be accepted. It's a truly wonderful thing.

And then today I get this email. A month ago I had never heard of this league and now I hear it everywhere. It's as though the universe meant for Noah to find this. His first game is February 7th. Here's the information from the email:


ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
to Feature Challenger Division Player, Family in Next Episode

By Communications Division WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.January 16, 2009

At 8 p.m. on Jan. 18 the ABC television program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," will feature the story of a Little League Challenger Division player and his family, who live in Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., and are members of Pen Mar Little League in Pennsylvania District 14.

The segment will highlight the Pen Mar Challenger program and showcase one of the league's Challenger Division's games.

Tune in Sunday night at 8pm--Perhaps while you are freezing in this weather, this can warm you up.