This time of year....

This time of year, this time of year...yep, it's football season. As Kate says-I become a football widow. I sorta of become a single mom and let me tell you, I have a new found respect for single moms or mamas who's husbands work and/or travel all the time. At least I get my husband back in time for Christmas. But, this time of year...well it's kinda of special to me. I get to watch my husband turn into a football coach once again. The first few days before practices begins he runs around the house getting his "gear" together. He gets it all organized and in the right place so he can grab and go. The first few weeks before the first game are long....long practices and no game on Friday makes for a long week but then we get in the groove...late practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...home early on Thurs and then YEAH-GAME DAY on Friday. Michael always teases me because I NEVER made it for kick off before we had kids and now I KNOW I'll never make it for kickoff now, but that's what happens when you have kids I guess....
So we get to game day, the game has already started and I search the sidelines or press box for that tall, blond man that is my husband...there he is-this year he's in maroon and gold. Sometimes if I'm not too late, he'll be searching the crowds to find us and I always stand to give a wave. I usually get a wave or a head nod back but it's always a smile-that smile that I fell in love with some 11 years ago.
To watch someone you love do something that they love DEARLY is truly a blessing. To see Michael become a football coach every year is a blessing. Yes, it's a little harder with two kids and Spencer will say, "Daddy, football?" but it's so worth it. Last year there was a championship and after everything that has happened in the last few years-Michael deserved that. I will never forgot running up to him after the game. We just looked at each other and there were tears. I don't know if there will be a championship this year but that doesn't matter. Just to see him coach is better than another ring in my book.
The first year I dated Michael, he was a student assistant for the Ole Miss Rebels. A good friend of mine went to most of the games with me. At the first game-Michael ran out on the field. Barbara took one look at my face and sighed heavily. She said, "It's over. You're done. There will be no one else." I told her she was crazy and to leave me alone and then she quoted a movie. I will never forget this line and think about that quote about this time every year. "He's just a man on a horse, baby girl. Nothing more. Just a man on a horse." I love this time of year....