Caledonia vs Columbus (softball showdown)

As the crisp prestorm winds gathered up the dirt forming tiny tornados on the field in Columbus, the all too familiar yellow ball began popping into leather gloves. Caledonia and Columbus were warming up for a 7 inning nail biter. Stephanie Hopper played second base and left field. Cara would pinch run in the sixth and Allyson (the daughter of our own Noahs ark preschool comestible coordinator) would be responsible for the first 3 runs scored in the game. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Patrick and I both sat and watched as the temperature dropped steadily. i was proud of my long sleeves, Patrick was ashamed of his short ones. Colby Hopper was content to steal our drinks and food and scream in our ears just as we had calmed down from the last time he'd done so.
Steph got a hit her first time up and reached base 3 out of four times (correct me if i'm wrong about that). She also scored the winning run in an eight to nine slugfest (hurting her knee in the process). Perhaps one of the best parts of this story was a fan who really enjoyed the game. He had a mental disability but was so happy to be there. It made me happy to hear him talk to the pitchers and refs. I realized how much we need to cherish the times God has given us while we have them because, just like the red clay blown by the gusts of wind, they are only with us for moments but paint pictures that last a lifetime.