It’s funny how emotions overcome you when you least expect it.
Back in 2012, at the second anniversary of Larry’s passing, I was at the cemetery when the sprinklers kept coming on in the different sections I visited…my mother’s and father’s, my husband’s and brother’s. Of course, I got wet and retreated to my car each time. When I was driving away, I turned and looked back at Larry’s gravesite and saw a beautiful rainbow. I knew it was his present to me. Larry and I enjoyed seeing rainbows, especially from our balcony when in Hawaii. (I wrote about this in kinslerscorner.net on 6/23/12)
Now, at Carter’s ballgame, I was thinking about how happy Larry would have been to watch him play ball. He was so involved with all of Jeff’s games, that this would also have been something special for him. The team started out strong with a 6-0 lead, then 8-1, and 8-7. Suddenly, they were behind 9-8. But, this team did not give up.
I was thinking of Larry when Carter had his last at bat, and suggesting that he give him a hand. Kinda like the “angels in the outfield” movie. Sure enough Carter drives in the go-ahead run, and the team goes on to take the lead 11-9. Then, with 2 outs and the outcome still in jeopardy, again I was hoping that Carter, in the pitching position, would make the play to first, for the final out. Unbelievably, that’s how the game ended…a perfect play. The team and crowd erupted into pandemonium. Carter’s team had just won the league’s championship game. This Bad News Bears team went from the last place team to champions, by beating the first place team. Everyone was clapping, yelling, and congratulating the jumping, fist-pumping team. Both teams congratulated each other on a well-played game. They stood on the foul lines waiting for the presentation of the trophies. First, the runners-up got theirs, and then the champions. What a proud moment!
Suddenly a couple of drops fell from the sky, and a beautiful rainbow appeared. No one noticed until I spontaneously yelled, “A rainbow,” and instantly burst into tears. Although several of the kids and their parents echoed my words, and people started looking at the sky, only Jeff noticed my tears. He looked at me in a funny, questioning way, and I just said, “That’s Larry’s rainbow.” He didn’t quite get it, but gave me a hug anyway. The rainbow turned into a double rainbow. Larry was there watching! He gave me another rainbow, our special sign.
What a wonderful day! I couldn’t ask for anything more.
THanks so much for posting this Sue. It’s a beautiful story – of the love through generations, the connections we all have and faith that we are never really that far apart from our loved ones. Congrats to Carter, Jeff and all of you – and hi to Larry too! xoxoxxo
Thanks for the lovely response. It’s been a while since I checked this post, and am sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. Jeff had me make a painting to commemorate this special occasion. (see my gallery page) It’s not great, but it’s from the heart and is now hanging in his den. This was an exciting time, with many special moments. Unfortunately, his team came in third, in the Tournament of Champions. But, he was happy he had done so well and they had gotten that far. Larry says hi to you too. Thanks again, you made my day!