I watch him patiently encouraging his sister. “You have to look at me. If you look at me the whole time, you’ll have more pitching accuracy. Do you know what accuracy means?” She doesn’t – and he explains it. I’m not sure why she’s agreed to play baseball – she doesn’t care for it. I’m not sure why he isn’t asking either Mike or I to play catch with him. But for right now, they are a vision of siblings – playing together – him teaching her. He’s patient, she’s making a real effort. And I’m sitting on the front porch with my laptop pretending to not pay attention – willing the moment to continue. Observing. Soaking it in.
“Okay Elaine, when the ball enters your glove you need to squeeze the glove shut and put your other hand in front.” She asks questions, and keeps trying. He’s encouraging her, “you’re going to get this!” It’s been ten minutes and they still aren’t fighting.
It’s amazing. They can be kind to each other.
Oh it won't and didn't last long, but it was beautiful!
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