My husband is one of the coaches for the area high school football team and that team is having a very good year. This past weekend they played for the regional title – and won. This is the first time in the school’s history that it has advanced this far into the playoff rounds. Next step is semi-finals and if that goes well, a battle for the state title.
This is some pretty exciting stuff for our small community. This is so exciting, in fact, that a few hundred of us made the 8 hour trip north to cheer the boys on to a victory. Yes, you read that correctly, 8 hours one way to watch a 3 hour football game and then get in the car and make the long trek home. Oh, and did I mention that this football game was played in a downpour of rain. None of this mattered. This weekend was for the boys, for the coaches, for our town and the community’s sense of pride and hope a sport can bring. I can’t explain this - you either get it, or you don’t (btw, I do hope you get it).
As I looked throughout the stands all I could see was purple and white. It was heartwarming. Our cheers were so loud that the radio station covering the game picked them up and carried them off to those who were following the game from home. It was amazing. The boys played so hard and never, ever, gave up. It was thrilling. At the end of the game, the victory was declared and the opposing team’s (outstanding running back) grandfather congratulated me (we were sitting next to each other – awkward!), and we all rushed the field to share our pride. It was beautiful.
On the field, tears of joy were flowing, hugs to players were given, and bliss – just pure, simple bliss was shared. At that moment, that very moment, everyone’s hopes and dreams had come true.
Assignment: Send good thoughts our way for this weekend’s semi-final round.
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