It’s a rare gift when you get an hour, even a day with your grandchildren. But when you have three days? Well … just a blast! A lot of magic has to follow … it did. Such was the case this past weekend. At the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. With my three 16 year old grandsons and their dad. More on them later.

But first … the people there. The place. Like you I’ve heard a lot about the “forgotten” people in our country. You know, all those hard working, faith filled, genuine … heart of America folk. Welcome to the LLWC! A true celebration of middle America. 450,000 plus visitors over a couple of high energy filled weeks. All that’s good about America, the world. You see … the LLWS is an international celebration. Tee shirts (rarely saw a collar), no Gucci shoes … every make of sneaker you can think of. Strollers, smiles, thank yous, eye contact, courtesy. Just down to earth moms, dads, kids. In a small upstate town in PA. Celebrating a national treasure birthed in 1947. Actually met an usher there who was attending his 58th Series! Perfect weather. 70% chance of sunshine every day!

The last time I experienced a vibe like this was at Disney World! One big difference. The LLWS is free. No tickets to the games. No reserved seats. To watch 13,000 fans daily over four games navigate the majestic stadium? No arguments. Nothing but smiles. Unique. When they could be scratching one another for a sear on the aisle.

Won’t forget the guy who noticed the lace on my sneakers was untied. “Here, let me tie that for you!” I’m truth? A faint message came to me. Jesus washing feet. Just me. But there really was a reverence about this place. Hillary called them “deplorables.” I met firefighters, plumbers, policemen. Italians, Japanese, Venezuelans … Mexicans, Koreans. The team from the Caribbean. All there cheering their boys on! Ten to twelve year olds (one girl!) playing for an international title. No politics … no missiles … no anger. Just good fun. Music. Wild energy! Moms, dads, brothers, sisters cheering their guys on. A thrill! A blast! From home runs to colorful uniforms, hats. Language barrier? None. The thread of it all? Healthy competition, sportsmanship, character. All the magical stuff that makes America great…

My boys? Triplets! Their passion for all this was infectious. Rubbed off of course. This was their third visit. They love baseball. Any statistic, player name is on the tip of there tongue. Ralfie, Willy and Jack. Gifts themselves. Polite, fun … loving. Wanted me there. I knew why the second I entered the stadium. Won’t ever forget Ralfie slapping my shoulder just before seeing the beautiful stadium. Embraced, nestled in a small valley. Lined by high, densely treed hills. Wow! Their was a special spirit here. We prayed a little. Laughed a lot. Just hung out. Just the five of us. Dad Ralf kept us all together. In his usual loving fashion. I have to say, I’ve ticked off many things on my “bucket” list over the years. But this was the first time I had an experience first … then added it to my “bucket” list after being there.

This was the LLWS. An education, an eye opener, a “bucket” lister. Three days with Jack and Ralfie and Willy … dad. In upstate PA. Amongst a wonderful crowd of people. At the 2019 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Unforgettable. Perfect!