Million Piece Puzzle

At 33 he was concerned that he would never face postseason play.  His career is limited.  Young, yes, but pitchers don't have an arm that will last them forever.  The rotater cuff only lasts for so long - even if throwing a baseball is excellent exercise for it.  Even excellent exercise has it's limits.

Last night, here in the Philly area (and many in Cincinnati too) we watched a 54 year old record matched on the road to the World Series.  I, for one, could barely contain myself.  I had to sit silent and enjoy the moments after the game ended so as not to burst into tears.  He called it a dream come true.  One can only imagine the magnitude of gratitude he probably felt or is still feeling today.  It was amazing.  Nothing short of light and love on the field. 

A few years ago I had a friend mention that "everyone has faith in something".  I wonder if this is true.  I wonder if that's what sustained Halladay last night as he made his way to his last pitch.  I wonder if it was faith.  Whether it was faith in his ability, his arm and/or fate.  (Or a higher power - of course.  Believing in fate in many ways implies belief in someone or something much bigger than ourselves.)

In recent weeks, I have found myself not so focused, not so great, not so loving and not so happy or nice.  But - in the most recent of days I have found myself very focused, very loving, very happy and rather nice in both mind and spirit.  Something I almost began forgetting how to be.  Nice may be a weak adjective but it's still a very complete one at times.  Something inside of me clicked while down in West Virginia and I've been carrying it around with me ever since.  It's something very simple though not so simple - something I do not really have to understand but I would like to understand.  It is simple, easy and quiet faith.  The kind that whispers in your ear that it will all be alright. 

Mason Cooley once said "Faith moves mountains, but you have to keep pushing while you are praying."  I feel like I get it.  I just have to do what I am supposed to do and it will come.  Just a little work here and a lot of work there, building a million piece puzzle, one piece at a time.  Meanwhile - others are doing the same - whether by accident or on purpose and we will meet somewhere in the middle.  Somewhere where faith truly resides and dreams do come true.

Halladay would not have been able to have his dreams come true last night without the help of his teammates and the other team's inability to hit the ball.  Not to mention all who have helped both him and those around him during this series along the way.  And, of course, fate... (which I personally do believe in - which is probably no surprise to anyone).  Still - there is something to be said for Roy himself.  The practice, the repitition - the mentality that he could in fact kick some ass if put in the right situation - and the strength to keep going even when it seemed he would never get to shine.