Life
It’s Worth Some Minor Irritation
On my part
Almost every day, at random times, I hear the 12-year-old girl next door practice batting. Her aluminum bat makes a distinctive “ding” sound repeatedly as she hits baseballs into a net.
I suppose some neighbors would complain about the repetitive, somewhat annoying noise. But I think back to when I was a kid, practicing guitar for hours on end. I made the same noises over and over again. My parents never once complained or told me to stop.
I am 60 now and have played guitar for almost 50 years. It has been one of the greatest sources of joy in my life.
I am thankful my parents (and neighbors — I sometimes played too loud) didn’t complain or discourage me when I was learning.
Perhaps someday, that girl next door will play professional baseball.
And I will remember those “dings.”
