I have written previously about my admiration for the women of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and the example they set for young ladies. These women have proven that a dreams can become reality, as long as you believe in yourself, work hard and never give up.
For my littlest, G, her dream initially was to be like her big sister. The BIG is 12 and is in her 4th season of travel softball. In those four years, G has spent a good amount of time on the side lines; watching, learning and waiting.
Last year, G met Chicago Bandits pitcher Morgan Foley. By attending as many home games as we could and with little help from social media - they developed the sweetest most genuine relationship. Many real life hugs and smiles have been exchanged - and Georgia's dream has grown a little bigger.
This season, Morgan signed with the The Scrapyard Dawgs (SYD), based in Conroe, TX - so the hugs were few and far between. In the last few weeks of the season, the SYD FINALLY came to town. G was next level excited.
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As always we enjoyed the game and then the girls ran down to get in the autograph line. G stood on her tippy toes, straining to get glimpse of her (former) "Bandits Bestie", and then the moment finally came:
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We chatted for a bit and then line had to move along - but not before I had mentioned that we were going to do our best to come and see them again when the SYD returned to Chicago the following week.
Flash forward 6 days. Life is hectic and I hear the familiar sound of a notification beckoning me. To my surprise, it is a message from Morgan.
"...I hope you all can make it to the game tomorrow night! Please let me know if so, I have a little something to give Georgia."
She remembered. This professional athlete who has seen 1,000 other little faces since we spoke, who has been playing softball, on the road with her team, remembered that I said we'd try to be there. We were going to get to that game through Hell or high water.
We pull up to the stadium and as we are walking in it starts to downpour. We grab our tickets from will call and go find a place to hide until the rain clears. The game is delayed. When we are able to head to our seats - G's radar goes off. "Mommy! Morgan is in the bullpen! I think she's pitching tonight!" and she takes off like a shot. G gets to the edge of the stands and gazes intently into the bullpen, willing Morgan to look up at her - and then she does.
She waves and motions for G to meet her outside the gate. G runs down the steps and as she's rounding the corner, Morgan is walking up from the dugout. They exchange a giant hug and Morgan says "I got you a little something! I wanted to make sure we had matching headbands in my new team colors." They exchange another hug before she goes back to warm up and I notice inside the headband package, is a letter:
We returned to our seats (I am pretty sure G floated). Morgan did pitch that game. Well. She endured a lightning delay and maintained focusing through an amazing fireworks display from a neighboring establishment.
The Scrapyard Dawgs won. The girls ran down to the autograph line once again. This time G brought a little something for Morgan:
"When I grow up to be a famous softball player, I want to make sure Morgan had my first autograph" - Georgia, age 7.
Georgia had an announcement for her Daddy and I just days later. "I'm trying out for 10U travel this year " she said.
My heart dropped. I was nervous for her. She's seven - a full year younger than the BIG was when she started. She's little. I didn't want her to be hurt or disappointed, but I would never tell her not to try. So, she tried - she did great - but didn't make the team. "She's young"... "She's small"... "She's immature."
She's also a dreamer.
A few weeks later - through a series of events - G was invited to attend practice with a different travel team, so the Coach could "take a look at her". She was offered a spot that day.
Dream big always and never let anyone tell you you can't do something because you can achieve anything you set your mind too.
I would wager that someone once spoke those words to Morgan Foley. Dream believers become dream achievers...pass it on.
