These stories are so wonderful! They have brought tears to my eyes one after another. I have been playing ball since i was 4 then got into fastpitch and travel around 7. Like all of these stories, my grandfather would come to the near-by games. We were VERY close. Him and my grandmother live across the street. As i got older, my grandfather would become sick but then get better. While he was in the hospital, i would be able to see him and tell him about all my games. Once he was out, i was with him everyday! He would pick me up from school and listen to all my stories. He always taught me sooo much. By the time i was a freshman, i was the only one to start on the varsity team. He was so proud and even came to my games cheering me on. The last game he came to happened to be against Brentwood High. Now, we got beat, but it was my best game my freshman year. I started at second, got a few hits and even scored. My grandpa was so proud and would go up to the golf course and brag to all his friends about me. This past year was the hardest year of my life. I started my sophomore year and in early september lost one of my closest friends in a tragic car accident. My grandfather would pick me up from school and try to lift my spirits up. Then about a month and a half later, my grandfather suffered from a heart attack that took his life. I was devastated. I had to continue on through Christmas, my 16th birthday and well, life without my good friend and grandfather. Once softball started, i was so happy. Ofcourse, my heart was still empty and broken, but i could let it all out on the field. We had gotten a new coach who taught me that no matter how bad things are that you are going through, you can be a different person out on the field. And thats what I did. I started again all year at second base and had a good season. My team didnt do too well, but we are rebuilding. But i am still happy that i can go visit Chad and my grandfather and know they saw me play, and can still have that feeling that he is proud of me. I will be starting my junior year at hillsboro this fall and can't wait to be on the field again. *friend of meg12* sara