There are times in life when you feel that you have found your 'love' for something. It is said that everyone has that moment every now and then in their life. I had one of mine last summer.

I had always had a niche for softball, and somehow or another my little brother followed in my footsteps. Michael was certainly not the 'super star' that I was expecting, but I could see the determination in his eyes the minute I handed him a bat. Together we worked to improve his hitting, and eventually, he managed to keep me afraid for my life of the possibility of him hitting a baseball directly to my face (which actually happened on more than one occasion.)

Seeing Michael's smile after he hit his first home-run due to my help was all the thanks I needed for my lessons. I was just so ecstatic and extremely grateful to have been given the privilege to work with him, and to have made such an impact that will hopefully affect him for the rest of his life. In turn, my life has been affected as well. I have grown as a person from this experience, and have enjoyed giving my little brother baseball lessons ever since.

Knowing that I can make such a difference on someone with just a couple hours of my time a week was the part that I loved the most. I refused to be paid, due to the fact that I thought I was receiving more from the lessons than Michael was. Every day when we would walk on that baseball field, I thanked God for giving me the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with my brother while doing something we both loved. When Michael asked almost every day about when our next practice would be, I couldn't help but smile as large as Texas and say, 'We'll start right now!' I had never felt more proud of him then when he asked me that question.

When I look at Michael, I see a reflection of myself. Being such a huge part of his life has helped me focus on different tasks, such as being an example for him when we spend time practicing. I admit that I often need that to be reminded of me sometimes, and I am grateful for that reminder when we go to baseball lessons.

In conclusion, giving Michael baseball lessons was more than what I expected it to be. I've learned from this experience that the thing you love most in life may be right under your nose; you just need to take the time to look.