...one more thing

    The thing I had forgotten about, until this morning, about little league games, was how chilly Kimmy would get by the end of the game.  Even on a warm night, like last night, she would bring a heavy winter coat.  One of the umpire's and father of a player, Bob Craig, used to love to joke with Kimmy about her layers, sometimes her accessories; knit cap and gloves.
     But Kim would not leave early or miss the games - she just wanted to be there to see Cody play, enjoy some sunflower seeds (or as Janene's son, Bryson, calls them 'bird seeds') and let the kids play.  Hearing her root for Cody and cheer on his teammates was just wonderful - such passion!  And we always had to buy team shirts to match and better support the team.  My favorite is from when Cody was on the AAA Storm.  It's a neat design, with sinister, squinty eyes on the front (you can google them, they are a real team in Lake Elsinore, California) and he had the #4 that year - they won the championship, too.
     Yesterday, was another warm one, approaching 90.  So I went to the park wearing shorts, t-shirt and flip flops.  Remembering Kim's chill, I did bring sweatshirts for the kids and my Juventus hoody (thanks Kimmy!).  Angie commented that I was dressed for summer as the temps dipped from 90 down into the low 70's, as happens this time of year in the desert.  I offered her my hoody to keep warm.  Kim used to like to point out, they, if it gets up to 90 and then drops to 70, that 20 degree swing is enough to make her freeze!
     A while back, Bob had sent us a poem called 'If Tomorrow Starts without Me'.  He said it has helped him out at different times in his life, but I'm not sure who the author is...it's long, thank God for the 'copy and paste' functions!

What a beautiful poem.  Please enjoy.

  When tomorrow starts without me, And I'm not there to see,

 If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me;

 I wish so much you wouldn't cry The way you did today,

 While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say.

 I know how much you love me, As much as I love you,

 And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;

 But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand,

 That an angel came and called my name,

 And took me by the hand, And said my place was ready,

 In heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind

 All those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away,

 A tear fell from my eye For all my life, I'd always thought,

 I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for,

 So much left yet to do, It seemed almost impossible,

 That I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays,

 The good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared,

 And all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday,

 Just even for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you

 And maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized,

 That this could never be, For emptiness and memories,

 Would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things,

 I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did,

 My heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven's

gates,

 I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me,

  From His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity,

 And all I've promised you." Today your life on earth is past,

 But here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow,

 But today will always last, And since each day's the same way

 There's no longing for the past. You have been so faithful,

 So trusting and so true. Though there were times

 You did some things You knew you shouldn't do.

 But you have been forgiven And now at last you're free.

 So won't you come and take my hand And share my life with me?

 So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart,

 For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.

When I finished posting the above message, the nefarious dog, Bella, was mauling the blinds on the back door - her subtle method of letting us know she needs to go out...now.  I leaned out and caught a glimpse of the sunset...

Thanks Kimmy, I needed that...

Love,

Dave