Maddie had the time of her life on Saturday April 14th as she spent the day with the girls from Penn Softball. With an effort led by senior 3rd baseman Julia Cheney, the whole team poured out their hearts to include Maddie during their double header against Cornell. Maddie truly enjoyed every moment from when we stepped out of the car until we left. She was tickled to “warm up” with the players, practicing her “pitch” until she actually threw the first ceremonial pitch to get things started. Before the first game the team sported Maddie with a Penn softball shirt, complete with her name on the back, a softball signed by the team, a program that included a picture of Maddie and more. During the game they treated Maddie like a true “pal” and let her hang out in the dug out with them.
After the first game (and a tough loss) the girls shook it off and took time to celebrate Maddie’s birthday, belated due to a rain out the week previous, complete with cake and singing. It was nice to meet some of the parents, who were also very supportive. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to talk a little more with Jim Cheney, who had flown in all the way from Washington state to catch his daughter for a couple of games. Maddie then wanted to stay for the second game of the day and I am so glad we did. The Quakers defeated Cornell this time and Maddie got to be a part of it. She ran down the foul line with the rest of the team between innings and just seemed to eat up the commodore and spirit in the dug out. A couple of times she came out of the trenches to play tag with Mr. Leahy and her friends & siblings, or to “hit a few” with Daddy.
After the second game the seniors were recognized with a ceremony and presented with flowers. Every one of them gave Maddie the recognition of a high, low or backward “five” or “knuckles”. Accompanying Maddie were Mom & Dad, siblings Sydney, Joshua, Abigail, Christopher & Gabrielle. Also friends Calen & Maggie Leahy with their dad Mike, and Jenna & Megan Collier. We all enjoyed having the sun with us for the day, and getting to know some of the players, parents, trainers and coaches. On the way home we stopped for dinner at Friendly’s in NE Philly. What a day! The only thing that would have made it better would have been if “Miss Kym” could have joined us. She continues to recuperate from her surgery the Monday previous, and we continue to pray for her. Maddie and Mommy sent her a leopard print “pajama-gram” to cheer her up. Thanks again to the wonderful women of softball at Penn! From the Coaches to the players, trainers, parents…everyone made such an amazing effort, God’s grace was definitely displayed through them all. Pictures of the game to follow…
After the first game (and a tough loss) the girls shook it off and took time to celebrate Maddie’s birthday, belated due to a rain out the week previous, complete with cake and singing. It was nice to meet some of the parents, who were also very supportive. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to talk a little more with Jim Cheney, who had flown in all the way from Washington state to catch his daughter for a couple of games. Maddie then wanted to stay for the second game of the day and I am so glad we did. The Quakers defeated Cornell this time and Maddie got to be a part of it. She ran down the foul line with the rest of the team between innings and just seemed to eat up the commodore and spirit in the dug out. A couple of times she came out of the trenches to play tag with Mr. Leahy and her friends & siblings, or to “hit a few” with Daddy.
After the second game the seniors were recognized with a ceremony and presented with flowers. Every one of them gave Maddie the recognition of a high, low or backward “five” or “knuckles”. Accompanying Maddie were Mom & Dad, siblings Sydney, Joshua, Abigail, Christopher & Gabrielle. Also friends Calen & Maggie Leahy with their dad Mike, and Jenna & Megan Collier. We all enjoyed having the sun with us for the day, and getting to know some of the players, parents, trainers and coaches. On the way home we stopped for dinner at Friendly’s in NE Philly. What a day! The only thing that would have made it better would have been if “Miss Kym” could have joined us. She continues to recuperate from her surgery the Monday previous, and we continue to pray for her. Maddie and Mommy sent her a leopard print “pajama-gram” to cheer her up. Thanks again to the wonderful women of softball at Penn! From the Coaches to the players, trainers, parents…everyone made such an amazing effort, God’s grace was definitely displayed through them all. Pictures of the game to follow…
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