The alarm goes off at 3:55 am, then again at 4: 00, I pop out of bed. I quietly walk into Ryan's room and gently kiss his forehead and tell him it is time to wake up. I crawl back into bed - it is so early. I just need 5 more minutes to close my eyes... just five. more. minutes.
I took seven more minutes, and I popped up out of bed. He is up and getting ready. I run down stairs to let the dogs out even though they are sleepwalking. I start the car, load the baseball bag, his catching gear and his turf shoes. I offer to make breakfast, but he quietly says "I'm fine." We are on our way to baseball tryouts...at 4:31am. We drive in silence. He isn't much of a talker in general, but at 5 am I seem to get a little conversation in with him. We talk about him maybe going home between the tryout and school starting. But he isn't sure if there will be time. I wish him luck with the tryouts and he thanks me. We get there by 4:40, tryouts start at 5, but 4:45 means that he is on time according to the coaches. I quickly tell him I love him as he is getting out of the car. He tells me he loves me too. I hang on to everyone with those words - I love you too. They were said by this very masculine but meek voice. This isn't the first 5 am practice this school year, but it is the first try out of the season. Now is when he can showcase all of his hard work and dedication. I will gladly drive him at 5 am anyday for him to do what he loves. Good Luck Son - You will do great!
10 Comments
Amanda Winters
3/1/2022 10:09:27 am
Wow what an early practice!! Both of you have dedication to the people and things that you love to get up and moving before the sun rises!
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3/1/2022 11:18:21 am
I love how simple this is yet how much meaning it conveys. Those early mornings are as tough as the late nights!
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Trina Perez
3/1/2022 11:56:47 am
Good luck Ryan!! I hope tonight is an early(ish) night for both of you!
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3/1/2022 04:05:27 pm
I love how this started with the brutality that is waking up at 3:55 am and ended with the simple "I love you too" that makes it worth it.
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Katie Krzos
3/1/2022 05:59:26 pm
So dedicated at such a young age, so impressive! I wish Ryan the best of luck!
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3/1/2022 07:20:35 pm
We had swim practice 45 minutes away at 6:00 AM, so we'd be on the road by 5:00 AM. It made for long days, but it was well worth it because they loved the sport.
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Brittany
3/1/2022 08:34:25 pm
Good luck with try outs! Keep me posted!
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Jenny Koutsogiannis
3/1/2022 09:24:07 pm
I love the picture! I love the writing! I love that he replied to your "I love you". I don't love that you had to be up and out of the house so early! Good luck to Ryan!
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Schrom
3/1/2022 10:47:16 pm
Your making me have nightmares of the years of 5 am swim practice. You actually will miss that. As the girls got older and i did not drive them anymore it was like something was missing.
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Sara T.
3/1/2022 11:42:13 pm
5 AM tryouts! Good Lord!
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AuthorI have worked in social work for over 25 years. The past 19 years have been within an elementary school setting. Archives
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