The Micah Series 3/5: Robert/Dad

(The Micah Series 3/5: Robert/Dad)

"When my wife told me she was pregnant with our fourth child, I thought, 'Yes! Another kid to coach in softball, soccer, or baseball. Heck, we were on our way to having our own team!' Then our son Micah was born with Down syndrome and the doctor began to tell us all the ways he would be limited. While I didn’t feel sad about his diagnosis, I did begin to wonder if I’d ever get to coach him after all.

After years of cheering on his brother’s at their baseball games, Micah decided he wanted to play. I hesitated wondering how in the world it would work. He wasn’t as fast or coordinated as his brothers. But the kid wanted to play ball so play ball he would! Micah joined a team with kids of all different abilities. The coach in me was worried about his ability to actually play baseball. I knew he had grown up with the game, but I still doubted if he could be a ball player. Then the moment arrived, Micah was up to bat! My mind was full of doubt.. Will he be able to make contact with the ball? Would he even know where to run if he did?.. As I stood there guiding him, I had a moment of clarity: He was just like my other boys. Eager to please me, scared to let me down, and plain old intimidated like his brothers were the first time they were up to bat. Micah was no different than any boy.

Surprised, Micah hit that ball so hard, and ran past first, to second, all the way home. The look of joy on his face overwhelmed me. I swelled with pride. Pride in my son. Not proud because he was the star player, or on a traveling team, but because he didn't let fear, or having different abilities stop him from getting in the game. Micah has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Realizing that there is so much more than physical abilities.. there is heart and determination, all the stuff Micah has, the stuff that makes real winners. Micah is a BALLPLAYER, and I am his #1 fan."

#ThisIsDownSyndrome #TheLuckyFew