What a Week.

Little League playoffs. Two championship games (yes, plural)—all thanks to a double-elimination tournament where the other team hadn’t yet lost.

So. Much. Stress.

Honestly, I’m not sure which is worse: playing or watching. We’d been here once before and, thankfully, came out on top.

I struggled with what to write this week. We lived and breathed baseball—four games in seven days. I had a few ideas, but none felt like they could carry a full post. I kept waiting to see how the week would end, thinking the words would pour out once I knew the outcome.

And through it all, I kept circling back to one thing: how proud I am of my kids.

I know what you’re thinking—me too! And you should be.

When I was growing up, my parents told me they were proud of me all the time. And I’d think, “Yeah, yeah, I know.” It felt like something parents were supposed to say. I probably was proud of myself, but no single moment stands out. Now, looking back, the things I feel most proud of weren’t always the biggest or most celebrated—they were quieter, subtler. And some of the things that seemed like a big deal then? They don’t matter much now.

But it’s different watching someone else—someone you’ve poured your heart and soul into.

Someone who makes a diving catch in center field, complete with a full-body roll, looking like Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh.

Someone who completely melts down on the mound one night, but listens to your advice (breathe, walk around, and sing your walk-up song in your head), and then comes back the next night to absolutely own it.

Someone who patiently mentors a younger player, explaining what happened and what could be done differently next time—so well that the player’s mom finds you afterward just to say, “You’re doing a great job.”

That kind of pride? It swells up in your chest until you feel like you might burst. It’s the kind that makes you cry happy tears. (Like I am right now, as I’m writing this.)

I get it now.

The days are long, the weeks exhausting—but those little moments of validation?
They make it all so, so worth it.

Oh—and in case you’re wondering?
They won.
Congratulations, Blue Jays! 💙

What moment made you burst with pride lately? Tell me below—I’ll cry with you!