Well technically it's been 501 days since I have seen my son compete on the mound. It was an awesome outing and he felt great. He woke up the next day however thinking perhaps something was wrong. We would later find out that he had a tear in his elbow requiring surgery. The last 501 days have been filled with the most unique ups and downs.

We have had conversations about life, sports and our family and how they all intertwine. He has learned how to express himself in ways we are proud of and ways we would prefer not be repeated. How much of this has been due to this set of days as much as it just being attributed to him being a teenager.

Last night we had a decent argument about his grade in Spanish and how he feels like he is unsure how we will prevail with the normal A and what will be the fall out if lord forbid he gets a B or even dear I say a C. The truth is I was never a good student nor have I claimed to be. I have however required that grades be competed for as fiercely as the field of play because I know regardless how long he plays he will someday be done playing the game he loves and have to start the next chapter.

Ever since he was a toddler all he wanted to do was play. If there was an objective that kept score and if there was a victor and a loser he was all in. Almost to a fault but it was his passion. That passion is still as strong as ever and has had to be put aside for the last 501 days as recovery and repair has taken over. Well son today is your day and I love you regardless of what grade you get and what the outcome is on that dirt. I hope your passion takes you on the field and I hope you dominate.

Day 1 of what I hope to be a lot longer than 17 months of your new journey is here and I hope it is everything and more that you have wished for this last year. Thank you to everyone who has helped us as a family to this point get through what has been a trying and learning process. It has been so greatly appreciated. He will get the ball to start and is slated to go 1 inning. I hope it goes quickly and I hope you enjoy every pitch!

Lights out Lorenzini