In celebration of the Astros
winning the World Series, here’s what it would look like if our family was a
professional baseball team…
Top of the line up...
CF: Jeremy! There are days when this guy
probably feels like he's batting .230, but from my view in the dugout, he is an
all-star. One of the highlights of this year has been cheering him on and
joining him (somewhat) in getting healthier. When Jeremy makes up his mind
and sets a goal, he is undeterred. His self-discipline and dedication to losing
weight and exercise has been fun, rewarding, challenging, and admirable. I am super proud of him for
making some healthy changes! But what I appreciate more, and what I too often
take for granted, is how he always chooses me. We have had our share of foul
balls and strike outs, but that's not the end of the story. By God's grace, we
come back together and work it out….even if it takes extra innings. He's definitely the MVP on this
team.
Next up...
2B: Me -- yes mom gets a spot on the team too. I am the author of
this Christmas letter and manager of this team so I get to be 2nd in the line
up. Often times, the 2nd batter is a good bat handler and needs to be one who
can take pitches to allow the leadoff hitter to steal. I don't know about
handling the bat, but I do know how to take some pitches. And I often sacrifice bunt
so that makes me good for batting in the 2 hole.
3B: Marian can throw across the diamond with strength and accuracy, and she can
quickly react given her close proximity to home plate. She is not surprised by
bunt attempts that come her way either. Marian demonstrated her strength (and
courage) on a recent, memorable trip to Colombia.
LF: Saimon -- this kid is our power hitter
so he's 4th in the lineup to drive us home. He’s also a switch-hitter—he’s able
to hit the ball hard from either side of the plate. I do not know anyone who
works out more than this guy. He lifts weights up to 5-6 hours a day. He is one
strong dude.
1B: We have another power hitter, Omar! Omar
often has to scoop one-hop throws from an infielder or pick low throws out of
the dirt, but you will never hear him complain. He does look forward to being
granted free agency in May 2024 upon his high school graduation.
SS: Wesley - Wes is one of two left-handed batters on the team (mom
being the other). He has leadoff-type skills so he gets 6th in the lineup, and
he makes a good shortstop because he takes charge on balls hit in the air as
well as communication among infielders. Wesley is fast approaching graduation
at College of the Ozarks with just 2 more semesters.
RF: Emily! When asked what position she wanted on the team, without
hesitation Emily said, "OH, I want to be way out in right field, out
where the dandelions grow." Emily is enjoying College
Station with her friends, church, job and cat.
Catcher: Crouched behind home plate, Savannah primarily
is responsible for receiving all the pitches thrown at her, but she also has a
lot of duties on defense. Preventing stolen bases, suggesting pitch selections,
and framing the strike zone make for a lot on her plate. Savannah
is 8th in the lineup because she is also a patient hitter. Savannah shows her
patience and stamina as she manages responsibilities in AP classes and Athletic
Training.
And last but not least....
P: Katerin is batting 9th in the
lineup because of her leadoff-type skills. And as pitcher, Katerin is a
swingman because she may be used as a starter or a reliever. Katerin has
lived in Waco for nearly two years but is now looking for a job elsewhere. We
have enjoyed having her visit more this past month as she is starting her job
search.
With
every great baseball team, there are even greater fans. We have the best support
around us with our family and friends! Even when we are the losing team,
they are cheering us on. We could not take the field without them.
And
of course, what’s a team without ballboys? Cocoa and Hiccup make the best
ballgirl and ballboy!
Whether
you cheered for the Astros or all the other teams they beat, we hope this
Christmas your family experiences the joy of being on God’s team…always the
winning team.
Merry Christmas from the Evermons
