This story may seem a little out-of –season but nonetheless it is worth telling. Some of you have already heard this story, but it bears repeating for the enjoyment of the rest of the world. This fall, I got to live out one of my dreams: Take one of my sons to his first South Carolina Gamecocks football games. If you know me at all, you know this moment is one that I have been dreaming of for a long time.
Ethan and I set out for Williams Brice Stadium in full Gamecock gear. It was an hour drive from my Mom’s house, who graciously bought us the tickets. Typical of my middle son, he fell asleep during the car ride. Honestly, if any car ride is over 15 minutes long he is a for sure a sleeper! I saw his nap as a blessing because I no longer had to listen to Mickey Mouse kid’s songs any more and could turn on the pre-game show!
I knew exactly when I was going to wake-up Ethan. I was yearning for this moment. The moment of the trip when the Stadium comes into full view. I was giddy, remembering my first trip with my dad. Just a few minutes before we arrived at the point I woke Ethan up. Just after he had wiped his eyes it happened . . .
The Stadium came into full-view and I said with an antagonizing tone, “Ethan, look at that!” Ethan’s response filled his daddy’s heart with joy when he responded, “Oh my gosh dad, look at that! Are we going to get to ride on that?” Knowing the comments was a little off but I understood his confusion, I said, “Yeah buddy, that’s where we are going?" My smile could not have been any bigger and my eyes were even welling up with tears.
This is where the story takes a turn that I was not expecting. Ethan said, “It’s so pretty and colorful.” I was confused and perplexed by this statement. There was nothing pretty or colorful about the stadium. It was at this point that I noticed his eyes were not fixed on the stadium. HE WAS LOOKING AT A HOT-AIR BALLOON in front of the stadium.
The rest of the night went just about like that. I tried to teach Ethan about 4-3 defenses and zone blitz schemes, while he played with his transformers and kept his back to the field. He watched the band’s halftime show with twice the urgency as the football game. My dream was finally and fully crushed when Ethan began to beg me to, in his word, “To go home.”
Is there a life lesson here? I’m sure there is but I am too dumb to figure it out. Maybe just a good laugh is all there is.
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