As someone who had never been athletic, the author finds herself unexpectedly playing catch with her 8-year-old son during the early days of the Covid pandemic. Through this simple game of catch, she begins to appreciate the bonding experience that it offers, despite her initial concerns about the traditionalism of father-son baseball games. The necessity of keeping the ball in the air allows both her and her son to be fully present and communicate without words, deepening their connection.
Her son serves as a patient coach, breaking down the actions of catching and throwing into simple steps. Despite initial frustration and lack of natural talent, the author learns to overcome challenges and improve through practice. They spend hours playing catch on their dead-end street, forming a routine that continues even after lockdowns are lifted.
As her son grows older and becomes more involved in travel baseball, the author finds herself in a reversed role, now asking him to practice with her. She reflects on the bittersweet nature of parenthood, filled with moments of letting go and watching her children grow and change. Through the repetitive nature of their game of catch, she seeks to hold on to the present moment and cherish the time spent with her son.
The passage of time is marked by their game of catch, as they incrementally move further apart with each successful catch. The physical distance between them expands along with her son’s growth spurt, symbolizing both his physical and emotional development. Despite these changes, the muscle memory of playing catch kicks in easily, serving as a reminder of the bond they have formed through this simple yet meaningful activity.
