the key

 

Tonight I am turning in this key.

I have had it on my key chain for 10-years.

Annually, for the past decade, I have run for an elected position on a local 501c3 non-profit board of directors. And tonight, my name is not on the ballot. My children are too old to participate now, and it’s time to let the new generation join in.

This key represents responsibilty, hard work, time and energy.  This key has unlocked bathrooms, opened and closed concessions, opened press boxes and turned on scoreboards. Along with this key, I have carried my MBSA notes, ideas for improvement, meeting minutes and upcoming agendas with me daily, as this position is always on my mind.  Being on the MBSA Board of Directors has been a part of my life so long, my friends are genuinely concerned about what I am going to do with my “free time”.

I hope I have made a difference these last 10-years. I have spent time, energy, blood, sweat and tears trying to make the organization and the fields a fun and safe place for hundreds of children to play baseball and softball.

I hope I haven’t just impacted the players, but also their parents, our community sponsors, the umpires/grounds crew that were employed there, the wonderful coaches who volunteered and the whole Mundelein community.

We have moved from paper registrations, weather phone hotlines and raffle tickets to a much improved website. We built the Red Monster, passed out Halloween Candy and marched in parades. We have had important votes and I had a seat at the table; my voice was heard and I voted the way my heart led me, to do what’s best for the most children.

I gained experience, skills, networking and friendships. I have given it my all. Because I believe sports matter.  Sports are a great metaphor for life and a way to teach character.  Practices and games are a common way for individuals and teams to get better, work hard and achieve any goal.

 

Mostly I’m thankful for all the time I got to spend outside with adorable children, especially my own.

And as far as all this new “free time” I am going to have…I will spend some time applying for new jobs or laying in a hammock or listening to podcasts.  And I hope to write more, and use my gym membership, my library card and my dog park pass until they’re worn out.