July 5, 2016
Astros 5, Mariners 2
W: Keuchel (6-9) L: Walker (4-7) S: ALL-STAR Harris (9)
I didn’t have to endure the Ashby Show tonight, because I was at Minute Maid Park. We went as a family, to celebrate our son’s 7th birthday. There was much to celebrate.
We walked hand in hand from the parking lot, into the stadium, up the stairs, and to our seats. This boy – who needed months and months of intensive physical therapy just to learn to walk – walked, skipped, and ran his way in without complaint.
We searched the stadium in the 3rd inning for a snow cone. (They’re on the concourse, most of the way up the first base line.) This boy – who was classified as “failure to thrive” because of his many digestive issues – got to seek out one of his favorite treats at the ballgame.
We celebrated the fireworks and scoreboard show with each of the Astros’ three home runs. This boy – who we were warned would likely have sensory problems his entire life – relished the noise and couldn’t wait to see the train go.
We talked about whether Dallas Keuchel was a good pitcher, whether Altuve or Correa could hit better, and when they would throw out the t-shirts. This boy – who we had wondered if he would ever be able to talk – couldn’t stop talking the entire game.
We came home, and I tucked him into bed.
This boy, who we were told might never make eye contact, might never be able to connect with people around him, might never have a normal life… this boy kissed me good night, looked at me, and told me he loved me.
Yeah, it was a pretty good win.