Don’t Give Up! I have a

headache. I don’t think I’ll

be able to play today.

All right. But you’re welcome

to stay and watch.

That night.

Coach Bennet told me you

didn’t play today.

Uh, I had a headache.

Last Thursday you also missed

practice. …

I thought you enjoyed playing

baseball. Is something the

matter?

I don’t play well.

Even if I make it to first base, I never

make it to home plate before being

tagged out.

That’s tough.

But you won’t improve your

game if you give up now.

Jesus, please give Dylan the

encouragement he needs to not

give up.

And please help me to enjoy playing even if I don’t make

it to home plate.

Dad, I was just reminded of the story we read about Monty

Stratton.

That is an amazing

story!

He didn’t give up, even when he lost a

leg from an accident. I shouldn’t give up just because I get tagged

out!

Monty Stratton played professional baseball as a pitcher

during the 1930s. A serious accident caused him to lose

the use of one of his legs, which initially stopped him from

playing professional baseball. However, he didn’t give up, and with his one

wooden leg and one good leg, Monty

Stratton continued playing baseball,

and taught others to play the game, too.

The following Thursday.

Dad, I had fun at practice

today!

I didn’t make it to home base, but the coach said I’m doing

well as a shortstop.

That’s great! And I think Jesus inspired me with a

good idea.

How about we do some batting practice on the

weekends?

Thanks, Dad! I’d like that!

S&S link: Character Building: Personal Responsibility: Problem Solving-1b

Authored by Christi Lynch. Illustrations by Didier Martin. Design by Christia Copeland.

Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright © 2011 by The Family International