(September 5, 2010)

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and it was a comfortable (perfect!) 75 degrees. I admit that I was excited… tonight I would get to see my husband play football. Of course I was bummed that it was flag football, but hey, can’t have everything! Roy coaches Hayden’s football team for our local youth football group. We have been involved with the league for about four years now, and it’s always fun. I will admit that some of the politics don’t sit well with me, but that’s true of any organization. Every year we say the same thing:

“They should have a game for the coaches.”

I think they should take it one step further and have it be a fundraiser. Advertise it, have a few practices for the teams, open the snack bar, and go all out. Of course when I suggest that I get the standard response:

“Well, that sounds good, but… blah, blah, blah. Why don’t you join the board?”

And then I go into Roy’s office and fuss, “I have five kids! If I wanted to join the d**m board, I would, but I don’t. But do they listen to anyone? No!”

And I always get the same response from Roy, “Yes, Dear. I know.”

But back to last night, the coaches’ game. The entire week, I expected to get an email saying it was canceled, but come Sunday and no such email came. I was excited, thought it would be a great chance for us all to get out and cheer Dad on. Roy’s assistant coach actually plays in a men’s league in a neighboring town, and Roy played during high school and recreation ball in college - though basketball tends to be his usual game of choice.

We pulled up to the field and jumped out of the van. The lights were on, and the sun was setting. I walked up to the tables and looked around, happy to see that the field wasn’t full of a bunch of athletes, but rather normal looking, eager dads. The sidelines were already filling up with kids and wives, getting ready to cheer for their dads/husbands. The kids and I sat down at a picnic table and settled in to watch the game. We had about 30 minutes before the game was scheduled to start, and I teased Roy the entire time. Telling him he needed to get up and stretch, go throw the ball, and that he better not embarrass me - as if anything he did ever would!

Well, the game starts, and I admit… I know little to nothing about football. I do know that the quarterback for Roy’s team was throwing the ball awfully low to the ground. I know that there seemed to be a lot of pulling on shirts, shorts, anything BUT the flags, and I know there was A LOT OF huffing and puffing going on. But I also know that it was just a lot of fun! The sidelines were full of laughter and good natured cheering and jeering. The kids had a great time watching their dads get out there and run up and down the field.

I also know that my husband looked darn good doing it! I saw him pull flags on defense and push and shove guys on the defensive and offensive lines, but I also got to see him score a touchdown and two 2 point conversions (I don’t know if that is the proper terminology, but that is what I was told!)! It was quite a thrill to see him excelling out there, and I loved it when he jogged over to me to ask for a kiss and a drink.

Roy excels at most of what he chooses to do - he is a wonderful husband, a great provider, he is intelligent, funny, and kind. I knew all those things about him already, and I knew at one time he was a gifted athlete, but the day to day grind sets in, and we become settled. We get lost in parenthood and live for those stolen moments of alone time. If we are lucky, we get to squeeze in some exercise, maybe a run or a walk around the park. But every once in awhile we are treated to a glimpse of the past, a quick peek into what your spouse once was… and let me tell you, it is indeed a cheap thrill!