Follow The Leader

In line for the ferry

    It was an evening that I had been looking forward to for quite awhile, although another part of me was hoping time would stand still and the evening would never arrive.  But arrive it did and with great excitement, as this year Jonathan would be able to join us once again for our (9th? 10th?) annual Mother/Son Baseball Night to cheer on the Seattle Mariners.  
    We arrived at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal with time to spare, paid our $11 parking fee, and made our way up the ramp to board.  A beautiful, sunny afternoon with a slightly cool breeze buoyed our already-high spirits.  Jairus was wearing his Mariners cap and a too-small navy shirt with forest green stripes, Aaron had his Japanese Mariner's cap and a blue shirt,  Jonathan sported a white cap, and I had on my #1 Mom Mariners shirt. We were all set.
     It was then, as we waited in line, that my mind began to take me back in time . . . .back to 2006 - eight years ago, standing in the very same spot with a then 13-year-old Jonathan and a 5-year-old Aaron and a 7-month-old Jairus still in the womb.  I remembered the harsh, disapproving stares I received as if to say, "What do you think you're doing, being pregnant with another child when you already have two boys?!?"  Where has the time gone?  I've traded in my very-pregnant-body for an aging, arthritic one. My sons tower over me (most of them.) Jonathan is 21 and off to law school, Aaron is now 13, and Jairus is almost eight! 
     How did my boys grow up so fast?  When did that happen?  I joyfully savored each fleeting moment, simply watching them as we stood in line.  And like Mary, I pondered these things in my heart.  I willed myself not to cry, though, for that would confuse and spoil our excitement.  And, as all of our children know, I do not cry pretty - the first, telltale sign is my big, red nose.  And it gets worse from there.
    Once we docked in downtown Seattle, we faced about a mile walk to the ballpark.  Even though I had been exercising and wore my good shoes, I was apprehensive about keeping up with the guys, but I was determined to try my best.  Jonathan asked, "Which way should we go, Mama?" to which I replied, "Go ahead and take the lead, Jonathan, and I'll follow along."  Holding on to Jairus' hand, I expected the guys to surge ahead, looking back every now and then to make sure I was coming.  But after we broke free from the crush of the crowd, Jonathan directed, "Go ahead and set the pace, Mama, and I'll be behind you."  So I did.  We walked up the hill, and down 1st street in the heat, block after block.  It was the same route that we took eight years ago . . . and try as I might, I got tired in the very same place.  "Sorry guys, is it okay if we stop for a rest here?" I inquired, taking note of each of our son's responses to this halt to their plans. Jairus sat down next to me, happy to have a chance to snuggle close.  Aaron willed his strong, limber body into neutral.  Jonathan took advantage of the pause to take a few photos with his cell phone. 
    

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Revived by the brief rest, we walked on in the heat, with Aaron out front, Jairus holding my hand, and Jonathan taking up the rear guard, keeping careful watch over the three of us.  He said, "Don't worry, Mama, I'll carry you if you get too tired." I smiled at him, grateful for his care.  We finally made it - a little tired and hot, but all smiles and so excited to finally be at the ballpark to see the Seattle Mariners play the New York Mets!
     The game was terrific - it was the first time we ever witnessed the Mariners win a game!  Lots of action, a score of 5-2, watching batting practice, the 7th inning stretch, and singing, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".  And of course, we enjoyed some Cracker Jack for dessert.  I''ve loved going to the ballpark ever since I was a young girl, but then, it was going to Wrigley Field to see the Chicago Cubs.  But this was far better - being at the ballpark  with our three sons!
     I remembered the first time 6-year-old Aaron joined us, knowing nothing about baseball.  Jonathan and I were trying to keep score, but young Aaron couldn't keep himself still.  Our solution?  Feed him.  Yes, he loved to eat, so we fed him hot dog after hot dog.  And we had our peace.
     Years later, it was little Jairus' first time at Safeco Field. His little, beaming face said it all.  He spent most of his time counting the airplanes that flew overhead.  He watched his older brothers and me for cues - when we stood and cheered, he stood and cheered, when we clapped, he clapped. After the game, he threw his little arms around me and said, "Sank you, Mommy, for bwinging me to see the Mawinaws!"
     And Jonathan - when did we switch roles?  Our first mother-son outing was to see the Tacoma Rainiers when he was about 10 years old.  Back then, and in years since then, I was the one who took care of him, who protected him, and watched over him.  But, what's this?  When did he start doing this to me?  When the game was over, he counseled, "We've got to stay with the crowd, Mama." as we were making our way back to the ferry terminal.  Arriving early at the terminal, I suggested we walk around outside a bit, but he said, "No.  Let's go inside and wait for the ferry there."
Safety of us all was his concern, and, in hindsight, he was right.   Jonathan has become a responsible, others-focused, godly young man, and I am so blessed to call him my son.
      These years are fleeting - they pass in a blink of the eye. Thank You, God, for allowing me these wonderful memories with our sons.