Growing up, the writer had never participated in any athletic team due to lack of interest in sports and her mother’s association of youth sports with the Hitler Youth and Nazi ideologies. However, during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, she found herself playing catch with her 8-year-old son, Will. Initially hesitant to embrace the game due to its perceived male tradition and expectations, she found a sense of freedom in playing catch with her son. She appreciated the bond they were forming through simple tosses without the need for words and the lessons she learned from Will’s patience and focus on detail.
As they continued to play catch regularly, the writer gradually improved her skills under Will’s guidance and coaching. Despite some challenges and frustrations along the way, she learned to overcome setbacks, relax, and reset, ultimately enjoying the time spent outside playing with her son. The game became a source of joy and connection for both of them, marking a significant moment in their relationship. Even as lockdowns were lifted, their game continued, evolving with time and reflecting the growth and changes in their lives.
As Will matured and joined a travel baseball team, the dynamics of their game shifted, with the writer now taking on a different role in encouraging her son to continue playing and practicing. The passage of time and the changes that come with parenthood often require letting go of past selves and embracing new stages of development. The writer reflects on the various stages of Will’s childhood that she has witnessed as he has grown from a toddler to a young boy, emphasizing the importance of rituals and repetition in creating lasting memories.
Their game of catch, which started with them standing only a few feet apart, has now evolved into a ritual where they play from a distance, reflecting Will’s physical growth and maturity. The writer acknowledges the bittersweet nature of watching her son grow up and the nostalgia that comes with holding onto moments in time. Through the simple act of playing catch, the writer and her son have forged a bond that transcends words and serves as a reminder of their shared experiences and connection. Despite the inevitable changes that come with time, the writer finds comfort in the familiarity of their game and the memories it evokes.
