It's Not Just a Game

Today is Game Day, which, for most of you, means absolutely nothing. I can't really do anything about that, other than to say, I hope you enjoy your day, wherever in the world you may be.

But, there are a few of you out there --- those that have thrown countless footballs into hands that you have watch grow over the years from those of a small child's to those of a young man, those of you that have walls lined with photos that mark the passing of the years by the size of the helmet, those of you that have held your breath every time you see a jersey slow to get up, those of you that have dried - and cried - tears of joy and tears of disappointment, those of you that see your children, in the faces of their children -- for you, tonight is about so much more than football.

For you, it's a lifetime of love and sacrifice, wearing a blue jersey and taking the field for what may be the very last time. It's about years of hard work, determination, tough love and never-ending support. It's about the coming of age, the end of an era, and new beginnings. For those of you that know more than the rest of us that, whatever the outcome, tonight is not "just a game", I say, I hope you enjoy the memories, wherever in the world he may end up.

Copyright 2006 by Cindy Lane. All rights reserved.