DALTON, Ga. (AP) - Belinda McBrayer says she knew that when she got married she wanted her family around her.
And that’s why she and Brent James are set to be married this weekend on the Miracle Field at Whitfield County’s Westside Park after Saturday’s games are over.
“I believe the people involved with the Miracle League are my family. I just love all of those kids and their families,” she said. “I wanted them to be part of it. For some of those families, it might be hard going someplace else because they have children in wheelchairs, but they are all going to be there.”
The Miracle Field also happens to be the place where she and James met and grew to know and love each other.
The Miracle League - a youth baseball program for those who cannot participate in regular recreation leagues due to either a physical or mental disability - is played on a synthetic rubber field aimed at the safety of all participants. James became involved with the field when it was just a concept pitched by some parents of children with disabilities on the Westside to the county Board of Commissioners six years ago. He was friends with Chip Hicks, one of the Miracle Field parents. And when the field finally opened three years ago, James was asked by the parents to be the announcer for the games.
“I’m out there every week, calling the games and trying to make sure that everyone has a good time,” he said.
McBrayer and James had mutual friends.
“We had known of each other. But we never actually met personally,” she said.
But James knew she was the guardian for her cousin Jimmy, who has Down syndrome.
“My aunt and uncle passed away, and they named me as his guardian when they passed,” she said.
When the Miracle Field was set to open, James contacted her to see if her cousin might like to take part in the Miracle League. During the next few years, they got to know each other at the games and through Facebook.
In fact, James planned to propose to her at one of the games. But fate had a different plan.
He says it seemed that everyone at the Miracle Field knew he planned to propose. Except McBrayer, and when a thunderstorm rained out the games she decided not to come. That led to James driving through the rain to her house to propose.
They say they are hoping their wedding day is free from rain.
“But whatever happens, I know I am blessed,” said James.
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Information from: The Daily Citizen, https://www.daltondailycitizen.com
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