In the spring, my husband and I decided to rent a house in Virginia for six weeks to spend time with my niece and nephew. A few weeks ago, I realized that we would be in town when my niece played in the all-star tournament. Last year, she tried out but didn’t make the team. This year, she worked really hard and was determined to make the all-star team. She went to camps to improve her skills and her hard work paid off. She made the team!

My husband and I went to the first all-star game. It was a beautiful day. A bit warm but that’s the way it is in Virginia in the summer. My brother-in-law was the coach and placed my niece at second base. I, for one, was super excited because I played second base throughout my softball career.

That first inning of the all-star game, I was so nervous. Even though he won’t admit it, I know my brother-in-law was nervous, too. I know he wanted the team and most importantly, my niece to do well. And boy, did she!

There she was my sweet, sweet girl. Her team was in the field first to play defense. The other team hit the ball pretty well and scored a run or two. Then my niece caught a ball at second base to make the first out and then she caught a line drive coming at her to make the third out. She made two of three outs that inning. I almost cried. I was so proud and so happy for her. She had told me the day before she was a little nervous and scared. I was hoping because she made those great plays, it gave her some confidence. I couldn’t have asked for more!

Then it was our turn to bat. My niece was the fifth batter. There were two outs, and I just kept praying for two-out lightning. And there she was! She hit a great line drive over the short stop’s head! Go MacAttack go!! She got a double and batted in a run. I was so proud of her. My little niece who can be a bit scared and shy was playing with such confidence and grace.

As the all-star game went on, I was more and more impressed with these little 8 and 9-year-old girls. They looked like they knew what they were doing. I was so so proud and impressed. Then I was a bit sad because it also means they are growing up! And growing up too fast!

When I got home it hit me. I started thinking how sad it was that my sister wasn’t there to see this little lady playing a sport that my sister loved as well. She would have been so proud of MacAttack, and she would have been the loudest one cheering for her. I know she was there in spirit and will be at all of my niece’s life events and future all-star games. And I know I can’t think of how awful and unfair it is that she isn’t here. It hurts my heart so much, but I know that I need to be present in the moment and not bring everyone down thinking how much I wish she was there.

I miss my sister so much, and I am beyond blessed to have two little pieces of her to hold onto and share. These little people give me so much joy and their kind hearts ring with my sister’s gentle spirit. So I need to thank God that he put me in the position to share these moments with them. I wish he could bring my sister back to all of us, but I guess that only happens in the movies and soap operas. Until then, little one, I love you and miss you so much, and I know you are so so proud of your little baby girl.