Wednesday, August 5, 2015

A Tragedy That No Parent Wants to Deal With

I write this post with a heavy heart. Not because I am any way related or know this family but because it hurts my Mommy heart.

Sunday, August 2nd the world lost a little boy due to an accident at a baseball game in Wichita Kansas during the National Baseball Congress World Series. He was struck accidentally on the head on Saturday during a game by a practice swing while he was retrieving a bat. He was rushed to the hospital where he fought for his life. 


He was 9 years old with freckles and glasses. From all the media and post I have seen he had a personality that drew you to him. He made you smile and laugh. He absolutely loved life and everything it had to offer. He loved being the bat boy for the Liberal Bee Jays. 

Photo from KWCH Channel 12 

I live only an hour away from Wichita so this story is one I see quite often. I am saddened for his parents and family. I could not imagine the pain they are going through knowing that their son is gone. I cannot imagine how lost they feel. I had watched the news on Monday evening where his father had spoke during a press conference the team was having. I seriously had tears in my eyes. The pain in his eyes were almost too much to handle. I know parents always believe we should go before our children do so this has to be the hardest thing to cope with. His father showed great courage to get up there and speak in front of all those people. I know that I could not have done that if it was one of my kids. I pray that I don't have to find out if I could.

I don't have any wise words on how it will get better. I honestly don't believe this is something that gets better. I just think you get used to the pain. I think that you learn to live without them because you have to for all those around you. I think you lose a part of you that you may gain back but it will never be the same. I also believe that people can make things happen for the better of the world because of tragedies.   

My heart goes out to the man who hit him. He is probably hurting more than anyone knows. I know it was an accident and he was just doing a task he had done a million times before. I am sure he never thought that he would hurt anyone. I hope that he is not blaming himself for everything. 

Because of what happened the National Baseball Congress has now changed their rules. Bat boys now have to be at least 18 years of age. I think it is probably a change that needed to occur. I also think that this could happen to anyone no matter their age. The NBC and the Liberal Bee Jays have done amazing things for this family. The World Series has placed his initials on the scoreboard to remember him by. The team have changed their uniforms to a t-shirt with their numbers on the back. The shirt is really the Kansas City Royals shirt but it is perfect. It has the little boys initials with a heart.

I will pray for his family and friends as well as the man who was swinging the bat. I ask you all to do the same. I have held my children a little closer each night this week because life is too short. You never know what could happen to you or your loved ones.

If you would like to help the family, you can donate here.

linked with:
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23 comments:

  1. That is really heartbreaking. Nothing makes me cry like hearing stories of children passing. I'm glad you shared this even though it is so sad. I'm glad the league is honoring this little boy and I pray for the parents too!

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  2. I know it is so sad! I just hope the family finds peace soon.

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  3. A few weeks ago I took my 4 yr old to a minor league game. I paid extra for seats right behind the visitors dugout but moved almost right away once I realized we were in prime foul ball territory. My heart goes out to this family

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    1. I am taking my 3 on Monday to a minor league game and I will be extra careful because this story is so fresh. I just cannot imagine how his family is feeling. Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. This is such a sad story. My heart goes out to both sides of this tragedy. What a sweet boy, praying for peace.

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    1. Thank you for commenting. I hope and pray each side finds peace somewhere.

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  5. I was saddened by the news too when I read about it in our local newspaper. I pray that God will give his loved ones the strength to brave through their sorrow.

    Hi! Stopping by from Mom Bloggers Club.
    Have a nice day!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by Veronica! I agree I pray that that they receive the strength they need to be brave.

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  6. I read about this the other day and was thinking so many of the same things. What a tragedy. I just feel for everyone involved and what a same to have lost a life so young.

    #momsterslink

    www.carewsinsuburbia.com

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    1. Thank you for commenting. I know it is so sad to have his life taken from him at such a young age.

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  7. This is horribly tragic for all parties involved! My heart is breaking!

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    1. I know so horrible. It is so hard not to cry for everyone.
      Kristen

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  8. How dreadful. I try not to dwell on the little tragedies which could befall my tot otherwise there's a chance I'd wrap him up in cotton wool and never let him out of my sight.
    #bigfatlinky

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    1. I know exactly what you mean! I am so nervous a lot of times with my when we go places. Thanks for commenting!
      Kristen

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  9. Oh this is so sad and I bet so un expected. I never really understood the pain that losing a child could involve until I had my own. It must be heartbreaking. I'll be thinking of him too xx #bigfatlinky

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    1. I never understood it either. It is just so scary.
      Kristen

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  10. Goodness that's just awful the poor family, the poor bats man :( Do they not wear safety equipment like hats maybe that's the answer? :(

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    1. From my understanding they do wear safety hats. I have seen pictures with him wearing one. I am not sure if they are designed more for safety against stray balls or not. Something to look into for when my kids play.
      Kristen

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  11. That's terrible news, such a tragedy that's unbearable to think about! You are right, the driver is probably devastated. My thoughts & prayers goes out to the boys family :( #bigfatlinky

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    1. It is just so heartbreaking for everyone. I continue to pray they all find piece.

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  12. My heart is heavy too. What a heartbreaking story. #bigfatlinky

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    1. It is heartbreaking and they actually had a live feed yesterday at the funeral. Thanks for commenting!
      Kristen

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  13. This is such a sad story...I read it in the news after it happened and I just can't imagine what everyone is going through including the man who swung the bat. I am sure his heart is so heavy and he feels guilty even though it was in no way his fault. And I am sure everyone on the team loved that little boy. My heart goes out to all of the community. Thank you for sharing this with #momsterslink. Hope to see you again today!

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