Jeremy Dreams Of Playing Professional Baseball
Written by Diane Harney, Volunteer Writer

Jeremy says he always knew God was out there, but he just didn’t take time out of his day to get to know Him. That is, not until Jeremy came to the Methodist Children’s Home in Versailles two years ago.

“I have gained faith and hope from the staff here,” says Jeremy. “I know I’m just a kid, but I’ve dealt with a lot of adult stuff. The people here really helped me get through it all, including when I thought my Dad might be dying.”

Jeremy, who turned 17 in October, has grown in many ways since he arrived here. First and foremost, he has been able to be a kid again. Family issues at home had forced Jeremy to be a caretaker for his parents and younger siblings. At the Methodist Children’s Home, Jeremy is experiencing some normalcy and fun. His hobbies include fishing, baseball, and basketball. The time apart from family has allowed for healing, both physically and mentally, in all of their lives. Now, Jeremy’s father is in much better health, and relationships have improved among all of the family members.

“I used to feel above my parents because of their problems, but now I have mother/son and father/son relationships with them again,” Jeremy says. “The staff at the Home has helped me be able to trust people again.”

During those very challenging times at home, Jeremy says he had failing grades in school. At one time, his main goal was to be a drug dealer some day. Now, Jeremy’s grades are A’s and B’s. Instead of studying life on the streets, he wants to study the Bible. Jeremy’s career of choice has become sports medicine.

Throughout Jeremy’s young life, one thing has remained the same: his love for baseball, particularly playing the positions of pitcher and shortstop. Jeremy played baseball at his high school in Ohio before moving to the Children's Home, and he hopes to return to that same school and the sport he loves in the near future. “I’d like to play baseball in college, too, just like my Dad did,” he says. For now, Jeremy continues to thrive in school and to enjoy weekend visits at home with his family.