Settling into a new Season

Last night was our first game of the season.  I love and I hate the first game each year.  I love the excitement of a new start. I love the anticipation that you can feel on and off the field to see what the season will bring but there always seems to be something missing at the same time.  Last night that missing piece seemed larger than in the past.

Last night started our sixth season at our current school.  For the past five years I’ve grown to know the parents as well as the players.  I could point out to you where each of the parents sat and who else sat with them.  I knew their pregame and post-game routines and where to find them if I needed them. I knew where to be for post-game family photos and who would need that special word of encouragement before and/or after the game

As I entered the stands each week I knew that as I climbed the steps to Row 27 where my assigned seats were that I’d see the Hawks, the Adkins’, the Thomas’, the list could go on and on. Season tickets at our games are a precious commodity and once you had them, you held on to them as long as you had a student at the school. It was a comfort in a way to know that I would see familiar and supportive faces as I entered the stands.  I could count on hugs and well wishes being exchanged. I knew that if plays during the game didn’t go a certain way I’d get a smile or a wink from a certain dad as a way of reassurance for him and for me.

Last night however, those seats were filled with new faces.  As I entered the stands those familiar faces were replaced with new ones. I had three new safeties taking the field and I had no idea where their parents sat and the one returning safety, his mom sits in a different section so my whole world was just a little off kilter. Those families that had become a part of my Friday night routine were now spread out all over the country preparing to watch their sons take the field as college players.

I know I’ll get to know the new people in those seats on Friday. I know that one day I will feel about them like I did last night when I was missing my friends and the comfort zone they had given me.  After a few weeks it will all become routine again but those that came before them will always hold a special place in my heart.

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to turn on the television and settle in for a day of watching college football.  I have a lot of former players playing today and as the adopted mother to all those boys this proud mama is going to sit back and cheer on all her boys. Glad we have every sports channel you can get. I've got a lot of channel surfing to do today.

Cheering you on,
Laurel