The Gift of Baseball

    Earlier this year I was helping a customer whom I never met before.  We somehow got to talking about Baseball.  I had told him I played as a youth, a little college ball and eventually coached.  I explained how I loved the game and enjoyed helping young players excel as a coach.  After the transaction he left.  About 30 minutes later he returned with a brand new baseball.  He said that he felt compelled to purchase it and give it to me.  He stated that everytime I handle the baseball, he wanted me to think about the memories I had of baseball.  I had never met him before.

    Well, the year turned out to be a little rough.  I had a lot of "transitioning" at work.  I found myself with that baseball in my hand sitting at my desk.  I had to have knee surgery.  I took that baseball with me.  Mom passed and I was asked to give the eulogy.  Somehow, having that baseball in my hand kept me from totally breaking down and got me through the eulogy and service.

    A gift from a stranger that meant more than I'm sure he realizes.

    The gift of Baseball and kindness.