Welcome

Come on and join author Melissa Bradley as she sets off on her latest adventure...

WARNING

If you are not 18, please exit stage left. While there is normally nothing naughty here, I do write and review erotica so there are links to spicy stuff and the occasional heated excerpt.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Unexpected Inspiration

Let me apologize in advance for the wordiness and no pics, but I had to share this.

I never imagined I would be so inspired when I went to my nephew's baseball banquet last night. You see, I was a last minute substitution as Mom wasn't feeling very well. I scrambled to get ready on time, then we got caught by two trains en route and arrived late.

It was a typical South Side affair with decent food, a horrible DJ, whiny sound system and over-priced drinks. We were seated all the way in the back, of course, but hey,  it was near the bar. Turned out we had some pretty good table company, too, a teammate of Cameron's, his family and one of the coaches from another team and his little boy. We had a few laughs over dinner, joking that our rather skeletal looking waiter was really a vampire. Finally, the time for trophy presentations came and it was I'm-aging-fifty-years-just-sitting-here long. We could hear about a third of what was being said because the kids were making so much noise. Then came the announcement of something called the Chad Award and silence fell.

Oscar, the manager of the first place team took the mic and started talking about this kid, Chad, he had coached. How this boy loved baseball and was always the first out and the last to leave the field. He lived for the game and could be found at the fields even when he wasn't playing. He was also a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs, which is a rarity on the South Side as this is hardcore White Sox country. The remarkable thing is Chad did all of this in spite being stricken with cancer. Through chemo, hospitalizations and various doctor visits, Chad continued to play. He showed up in pain, exhausted and cheered his team whenever he wasn't strong enough to get on the field. One day, after a particularly rough chemo treatment, he came and asked his coach to play. Oscar asked him if he was sure, then looked at Chad's mom, who nodded. Chad played and was so tired by the time the game ended, his mom had to carry him to the car from the dugout. The following morning, she called Oscar with the sad news that Chad had passed away that night. He had given his all for one last game.

I was trying not to cry by this point, then they introduced the winner of the Chad Award, a kid named Justin. This award is given in Chad's honor to the 12 year old who best exemplifies the spirit of baseball and sportsmanship. I have to tell you, Justin blew me away. Like Chad, he's there everyday whether his team is playing or not, cheering the kids on.  One time, though, Justin and his team were playing a squad that was clearly not their equal. On that day a young boy named John came to the mound as a pitching substitution. John is slightly behind his peers developmentally and while he plays, he's not very good. In fact, he gets made fun of a lot. He's the worst pitcher on his team. Justin, on the other hand is a pretty good player. During this game, there was only one more out needed to end the inning and John's teammates were getting irritated that he couldn't find the strike zone as usual. Justin stepped to the plate and proceeded to take three swings, striking out. The pitches were so bad all Justin had to do was wait for four balls and he'd be on base, but he chose to take those swings and give John his first ever strike out. Justin's teammates were  less than pleased, but he knew that John needed that strikeout far more than he needed another hit.

The depth of character of both of these boys left me stunned to say the least. There was not one adult there who was not blinking rapidly and wiping a tear. I've talked about being inspired by Olympians, but last night I found a great deal to be inspired by close to home.

What are some inspiring stories you've heard? What was the most unexpected source of inspiration for you?

44 comments:

  1. Both of those boys sound amazing. When so many do just the minimum to get by, it's refreshing to hear that a few still strive for excellence and give it their all.
    Aren't you glad you went now?
    Hope your waiter didn't attack anyone in the parking lot for blood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am very glad I went, Alex. I can't believe I grumbled about going in the first place. It turned out to be one of the best nights.

      I don't think he attacked anyone. There were no drained corpses outside when we left. :)

      Delete
  2. I can see why you got instantly inspired by this - it's a sad, yet touching and truly inspirational story. It almost brought tears to my eyes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a wonderful story and one I will remember always. It's so easy to overlook the inspiring people around us practically every day.

      Delete
  3. we need more such kids in this dark world of ours, Melsy! Those are true heroes! Amazing story, Justin will grow up to be an amazing person and the world around him will feel blessed by his presence.

    And didn't I forbid you to step closer than two meters from any bar :PPP

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We certainly do need more kids like this. I know Justin is going to be an honorable and good man. the world is a brighter place for sure that he is in it.

      Yes, you did, but well, you know sometimes...LOL

      Delete
  4. Wow - Mel! It's not easy to read when your eyes are misting! What a sad yet inspirational story! It is wonderful to hear there are young people willing to take it to the zenith and beyond. No entitlement, no laziness, no blaming others for their lack of achievement. These young men make me proud. Thank you so much for sharing this!

    And how do we know the waiter wasn't simply clever in disposing of his victims? Was the meat at dinner kind of... dry?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was hard to type this one out, I tell you. I'm very happy Chad and Justin could inspire you, too. They truly define honor and sportsmanship.

      And you know, come to think of it, that meat was rather dry. ;)

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. That was my first thought when I heard their stories. :)

      Delete
  6. How incredibly touching! That little boy's parents were wonderful, as well, for letting him live the remainder of his life instead of being stuck in a hospital bed. Thanks to a friend of my son's, we are involved in the childhood cancer world, and there are touching stories everywhere. My son's friend was diagnosed with the AML form of Leukemia when they were three. She went through multiple rounds of chemo to kill off her own cells in order to get a cord blood transfusion. During her time in the hospital, another little girl came in and gave our friend a special angel pin that was hers. She knew she was dying, and wanted to hand her protection over to a new little girl. She died later that week, but our friend wore that angel constantly, and passed it on to another child before she left. She's in remission and is now 7 1/2 years old. :) And she's a spokesperson for the childhood cancer world, Starlight Foundation and CaringBridge. Amazing little girl.

    Thank you for the inspiration today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh! What exceptional little angels. Kids are just incredible and what spirit to be able to confront a scary disease, yet think of others. The girl who gave her angel to your son's friend must be a guardian angel now. I'm happy to know that you son's friend is alive and thriving as a spokeperson. Kids can deal better when they hear from someone their age.

      You have given me some incredible inspiration in return. :)

      Delete
  7. What a touching story. Wow. Being around great kids is incredibly rewarding. I bet you're a great aunt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Rusty. I do try and though they tell me I am uncool, the boys still love to hang with me. :)

      I'm happy you liked this story. I had a hard time typing it out and wasn't sure if I got it all right.

      Delete
  8. Melissa, thanks for sharing such a heartfelt and touching story - I was moved to tears. WOW.

    Did you and your nephew talk about any of this on your drive home? Just curious, as I imagine he is full of interesting stories too.

    What a wonderful evening for both of you to share and you're so right about having such an amazing experience so close to home; so inspiring too.

    Hugs, Jenny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Jenny!

      This is just one of those stories that I simply had to share. Cameron was not real talkative afterwards, but he did ask about Justin. :)

      It is amazing the inspiration that is all around us when we take the time to look.

      Hugs!

      Delete
  9. omg what a story, so touching, so heartwarming. I had to read it several times to fully appreciate it. awesome, Mel!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was tearing up as I wrote this. :) I knew as soon as I heard this that I had to share.

      Delete
  10. Most unexpected inspiration stories for me come from the internet. Because most of the times the stories and things I see are depressing and terrible.

    But once in a while a light does shine through.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right. The internet is a source of depressing tales, but there are some bright lights out there every once in a while. :)

      Delete
  11. Justin, a guy with good decisions.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Absolutely! He's going to be a good man when he grows up. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Melissa, thank you so much for sharing this post~
    It amazes me how much compassion and wisdom we can find, when we look~ For some reason, we expect this in adults, but we have to remember compassion and thoughtfulness comes in many shapes and sizes~
    It was so touching to read and the honor of remembering a boy, whose heart n' soul played out in front of so many! How many lives he touched with what he knew to be true! Be the best you, that is all we can leave behind is our memories~
    You know you could write this book :D I was also moved to tears...it reminds us there are angels in our midst! Thank you for being you! (((hugs))) :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is amazing how we expect to find this character in adults, but we overlook the kids. These boys are two shining examples for sure.

      Wise words. We should all strive to be the best individual we can be. After all, each o s is one of a kind.

      Aww.. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much those words mean to me. Hugs back! :)

      Delete
  14. That was such a wonderful story - and I admit, there's a tear in my eye too! Both Chad and Justin sound like incredible kids. It's such a shame when cancer strikes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cancer really is a horrible disease and never more so than when it afflicts a child. I am in awe of both Chad and Justin. They are incredible kids who have left an indelible mark on the rest of us.

      Delete
  15. This just made my heart so happy. It lets me know there are children with good character still out there today. Hooray on good parenting and good children and a great lesson learned for all those present. Thank you for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These two boys really do give one hope, don't they? Their parents did a tremendous job and I think that all who were there and those that hear about them through others will be inspired with some good spirits.

      Delete
  16. That was an awesome story! It's a rarity to see such sportmanship, as it seems the media supports the brats and trash talkers in sports today.

    There is hope for the world!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed there is hope. You're so right, considering the state of professional athletics, it's nice to hear about people who still know the true meaning of the game.

      Delete
  17. Replies
    1. It is a very teary story. I had a hard time writing it out.

      Delete
  18. What a great story Melissa. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These two boys are the best, aren't they? I'm very happy I could share it.

      Delete
  19. Melissa, what a heart-squeezing post. God rest Chad and bless Justin, and all our lovely boys and girls in this world who know how to love.
    Some Dark Romantic

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These kids are just amazing. Children truly are gifts and they bring so much joy in very unexpected ways sometimes.

      Delete
  20. Wow! Truly inspiration stuff, Melissa. I think Chad and Justin are exemplars of goodness, of individuals who take no greater satisfaction than inciting in their fellow man a warm smile.

    If I were to enjoy the company of that banquet with you, it'd be impossible to fight of the tears. Powerful, moving stories.

    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "...of individuals who take no greater satisfaction than inciting in their fellow man a warm smile." I love those words, Matt. You have such an eloquent way of putting things.

      I very rarely cry in public and this was certainly one of those times. I'm very happy I was able to share Chad's and Justin's stories. They are a light for everyone, I think.

      Delete
  21. Your post are great contribution for entire blogosphere my friend I follow your Google Friends Connect,My Pleasure if you follow us too,
    http://jakesprinter.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww.. thank you so so much. You are too kind. Am checking out your blog now. :)

      Delete
  22. It's awesome that the kid gave everything despite being so ill. Makes me realise how lazy I can be most of the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chad's strength just astounded me. i know how bad chemo can get as I have had several close friends deal with cancer. I can just imagine the power in that kid's spirit. Makes me realize how lazy I am, too. :)

      Delete
  23. Wow, Melissa,

    I certainly had to wipe a tear. Lovely story. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome, Michael. There are so many times I rant here, that I was happy to finally be able to share such a wonderful experience and the stories of these two amazing kids.

      Delete

I love, love comments, so please leave your thoughts. I may not always be able to answer directly, but please know that what you say is very important to me.