It’s a Family Affair
Thanksgiving Reflection through Football
As we gear up for the final week of the 2023 college football season I could talk about the rivalry games coming up, the playoff push against or the scandals going on. But it’s Thankgiving and I want to instead express my thanks.
I get called an expert on the podcast and I owe that to only one person, my dad. When I was little I remember football always being on and him watching games but always explaining what was going on. And we loved the Gators. My dad went to Florida and I would follow there. Football became more when I got older and understood it more. But it always amazed me that he knew what plays were coming, what defense would (should) be run. We went to games all the time. And after 1990 Florida games became important with the return of favorite son Steve Spurrier. I’ve seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in the Swamp, all usually with my dad sitting next to me. I was a freshmen in 1996 and when they had a chance, no matter how bleak it was at the time, he said we were going to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. Through all the twists and turns that night turned in to Florida’s first National Championship. We partied on Bourbon Street after the game.
The years have moved on and I have always gravitated to college football. When I met my wife she had no idea what she would be in for with me and college football. And a lot of that revolved around my dad too. Florida would be in their second National Championship game the year after our wedding. It was the day before our first wedding anniversary and my dad was going to the game again. I was invited but it was one of the few times I had to say no, something about our son being born any minute thwarted that plan (he was born 6 days later). But every year if we weren’t at the games and just watching at home, I was on the phone with him. All day. My wife always said why don’t you just go to your dads and watch the games with him? We live 5 minutes up the road. And, at the same time, we would both respond, but how will he be able to watch three games and me three different ones so we can talk about all six? And then it was time. I convinced my wife that my son was old enough to go to his first game. And I was most definitely making it a generational experience. No way was it happening without my dad there. It was great, my son slept in my arms most of the third quarter and my dad and I just talked and talked.
My son has become my new partner in crime in Gainesville. He has a ritual, we do the same things. And I’m sticking with it cause he has never seen Florida lose at home when he’s been in attendance. Saturday we go again, he’s driving there, and he try’s to go 10-0. The one thing missing will be my dead. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 8 years ago and isn’t able to go anymore. He’s always with me though. I do go watch the games with him now and I’m the one telling him things. And he and I love that time together.
Because of all that, especially today, I’m so thankful. Thankful for the times I’ll always have with my dad. Thankful for the times I now get to have with my son. Thankful for my wife who puts up with all of it. As this seasons comes to a magnificent end, I’m already eager for the next. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Oh…… and Go Gators!
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