42

4.15.2013

66 years ago the number 42 made its mark in the MLB. Not just because of some incredible talent, but because the first black man to ever play in the MLB stepped out to play his first major league game. Jackie Robinson, an American legend. Determination and courage.Honored still now, today is Jackie Robinson Day. Today the number 42 will be worn by hundreds of men in the majors. To show love and appreciate to a man who paved the way for so many in what used to be a "white man's" game. 
This weekend Adam and I went to the movie 42 with the Dennis and Kinser families. It was incredible. And inspiring. And even if you don't know baseball, I would recommend it to you. My friend Annette said it best, "I will NEVER understand the thought process of some people and society's acceptance of cruelty." There are so many moments in the movie that showed that. When his own teammates tried to break him, when time and time again pitchers aimed for the head rather than the strike zone, and especially when a young boy sees his father's hate towards Jackie and follows him in yelling words that were not okay. But at the end of it all, there was a  message of courage and strength. To see a man move his way up through a game when so many hated him and tried to tear him down. To watch not just a baseball player, but a family man, striving to be his best. It motivates me to be a better person, to work harder, and to support my husband even more. 

Jackie's wife is an inspiration for me now. If she could make it through all that, watching her husband be targeted, raising a child less than a year into their marriage, traveling around, missing her husband... all while going through the trails of segregation, I can be a support to my husband in the same capacity. Our lives aren't even half as hard as the Robinson's, and because of that I know I can do it. I will continue to support my husband, I will look for the good in our adventures, I will be there for Adam when he needs me and when he doesn't  and most of all, I will remember how blessed we already are. I am looking forward to this next year with full faith and support, I cannot wait! We all find inspiration in our own ways. Who do you look up to? Where do you find your inspiration?

Love,
Deidre
Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

We saw it too. So good! I loved the way they portrayed the love and support that was so strong in their marriage. I hated seeing the hatred and cruelty that existed back then. There is just no point to it all. We are all people. It really had to be someone that talented and that strong minded to break those barriers and Jackie Robinson was it.

Sierra @ Sierra's View said...

Can't wait to see it!

katilda said...

I'm so excited to see this movie (baseball junky over here) and you just made me more excited! Glad to have found your blog via Bloggers Anonymous.



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