I can close my eyes and see it as if I were just there today drinking from it during a late spring game. Many were at the fields, but one imparticular left a lasting impression. It was old and hard to turn on, and you had to kick it just right sometimes to get the clogged dirt out of the pipe but it provided the coldest water to your mouth, head, neck, and if you contorted your body just right, chest. Granted you had to wait at least thirty seconds before you dare touch the water because, within those first few seconds, one could make an argument that hot lava is colder. But man oh man, it was worth the wait, because it could quench your thirst and cool your body within seconds and have you revved up for your next at-bat or your next defensive session.  I remember the kids with money. No knock to them, but I remember seeing the Gatorades and wondering what they tasted like during a game. Were they as good as they looked? My parents had four kids and Gatorades were a luxury at games. We always got them with the virus though, so shout out to the yellow Gatorade during the bad times and my parents for spending the big bucks when I needed it the most. Fast forward to Spring of 2019 and I’m with my four kids at the ballpark. With one at practice, one climbing a tree and one demanding soft-toss behind the dugout on open grass, and the other toddling around, I hear a parent yell, “Oh my gosh, he’s drinking out of that spigot!” I looked quickly to headcount and realized my toddler at 14 months old had helped himself to the good stuff! I ran over to him not to detour but to make sure the water wasn’t at lava temperature. All was good and I turned it up a little for him to let it flow. I snagged a few pictures, remembered the good ole days, and then went back to soft-tossing, knowing that Spring and a Spigot had made both of us better people. For him, he got to drink and play in cold water with no care in the world, and for me, well I got to witness it. Take in the moments, and don’t forget to keep getting better- Coach Mama.