Hey, Mom! Do you or Dad want to wear my Jersey to tonight's game?"
Ok, Andy, that is enough to choke a Mom up, bring a tear to the eye and make me dying to go to the football game.
Today is Friday and although I have always said "I hate football", I am looking forward to the game. Yes, Eaton Rapids has a reputation for losing games and yes, we know that hasn't changed so far, but I am learning that there is more to this "football thing" than winning games.
Every night after school the boys practice until 6pm, watch game videos and come home tired and hungry. Every week, we sit in the stands and cheer and groan as they try to break that losing streak. They want to be the team that did it.
Thursday night Team Dinners bring unity as they gather to bond with each other and parents who serve them. They come home with stories of the best plays, the coaches lessons and team decisions. Homework is getting done on time. You can't play sports with bad grades.
Finally, Andy is a bit of a scrapper. I am not talking about his wrestling, but when he perceives someone is being treated unfairly he gets mad and is the first to stand up for them. Last week it was the annual fight between the "Rednecks and Mexican kids" that he chose to help break up, instead of join. Fighters get suspended and can't play football. Yesterday someone insulted his girlfriend and the coach and his football buddies persuaded him not to put the kid's lights out. After their "discussion", I don't think the kid will be mean to her ever again.
I guess I don't hate football any more.
