For Love of the Game

 In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without one-hundred percent dedication, you won't be able to do this.  -Willie Mays


Baseball was the backdrop for a boy turning into a man.  I observed a transformation from boy to man starting with T-Ball at the age of five through Varsity baseball at age seventeen.  


Many benefits were reaped from this organized sport.  It taught teamwork, good sportsmanship, humility, respect, time management and the importance of physical fitness.  I thank the many coaches for these valuable life lessons.


One of my proudest mom moments was last year.  Grant decided to train hard to get stronger--ultimately to hit harder.  He woke up at 5:00 a.m. two to three times a week before school and went to the gym with a buddy.


Last year was his best year in baseball, ever.  With three home runs (and his first home runs ever) he had the best season stats on the team.  A memorable season.


An untimely broken wrist in his senior year (ugh, again????) before the season began has left us to look back at a great year and be thankful for those memories.


Photo above of Grant's junior year with the High Tech Storm

Vacations

There have been many memorable family vacations over the past seventeen years.  Adventurous spirits like adventurous vacations.  Looking back, some of Grant's favorites were Lake Tahoe (summer and winter), the Bahamas, Hawaii, a Mexican Riviera cruise, Estero Beach Mexico and Cozumel.  All of these destinations offered unique experiences and memories that should last a lifetime.  My personal hope is that these travels have sparked an interest in the world at large.

Our most recent trip to Cozumel was memorable due to a diving expedition.  This island is known for its diving and beautiful reefs.  I must say I was a very nervous mother.  The preparation for an ocean dive consisted of a brief pool instruction followed by the ocean dive.  How can someone learn all of the nuances of diving in a crash course (in a pool, nonetheless)?  I had to take many deep breaths and visit the Margaritas.

Travel has always brought me personal joy and my hope is for my son to seek future travels with an eye on adventure. 

Photo above of Grant and dad in the beautiful waters of Cozumel.

Space Part II: San Diego 6 Coverage of Quest for Stars at High Tech High

The Quest for Stars sponsored engineering project was a success thanks to Grant and Max's work on waterproofing the payload. As I watch the level of engagement in learning with these high school boys I just shake my head. We are so fortunate to have these opportunities at High Tech. According to Grant and his mentor, projects in space will become mainstream for all Americans as was the internet.

You Tube video of recent news coverage at High Tech with Grant, Max and their mentor, Bobby Russel of Quest for Stars.