Friday, July 13th Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg treated the children and their caretakers of Smoky Mountain Children’s Home to a night out at the ballpark. They attended the fireworks night at Smokies Baseball Park and were treated to a picnic before the game.  There were plenty of smiles to go around including my own. I went to this event hoping to see children that endured hardships become enthusiastic kids.  I did get a little of my expectations, but what I walked away with was much more valuable.  I spoke with the director and some of the caretakers to get a better understanding of what the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home provides.  These children come from homes that are unfit or they have problems of their own that require outside help.  They live and learn at the home while there are about 8-10 children per house with a designated caregiver.  I thought the kids would be so excited about getting out of their daily routines to the ballpark – who doesn’t like the park, the smells, sounds- the excitement of it all, but it never occurred to me that some may be quite jaded.  I was informed that two of the older children were not interested in attending our little picnic.  The boys asked to roam around a bit and permission was granted so I watched them walk away.  Imagine the disappointment I felt and a little sheepish considering my level of enthusiasm.  So, I accepted this reality and began watching some of the younger children playing. 
I decided before the game started I better snap a few photos of the staff (you cannot use photographs of the children due to rules and regulations) so I asked them to line up.  They were happy to oblige, but four of the younger children were so excited about pictures that they had be in a few.  Knowing I could not use these I still took them because the smiles were priceless.  I learned that these children usually do not have any photographs of themselves! What? No baby pictures, no first curl of hair, no bath tub pictures to be used against them in high school?! No – nothing.  I cannot imagine.  The director told me that during their stay at the children’s home they try to create Life Books for them, so they will have something of themselves.  I was truly touched by how involved and committed the staff seemed to be to each and every child.  By this time a few hours have passed and I am just milling around the park and then standing in front of the bleachers I began feeling tearful and giddy at the same time because the two boys I previously mentioned were walking towards me with a coke and a bag of cotton candy. They had become the enthusiastic kids I had hoped for. I am proud to be part of a company that is devoted to making our community a better place.