Before leaving last night, Curtis told us that he and Steve would be back in the morning so we could go to the football game together. I wasn’t prepared for college sports, I had spent many weekends sitting in the stands watching Kyler play but that is nothing like what happened.
Steve showed up at our room first, carrying a duffel bag that appeared to be stuffed to the max. As he began unpacking the bag he got bossy and told us, “Hurry up and put on jeans and a plain tank top or t-shirt. Then you can pick the rest, but we need to hurry.” When I walked out from behind the privacy divider he was just finishing laying out everything. There were yarn hats, baseball caps, gloves, scarves, T-shirts, sweatshirts, 3 different jersey’s and a zip-lock bag full of what appeared to be Halloween face paint; everything was in Western State colors of purple and white. Apparently Sierra was prepared for the Western State overhaul to our wardrobe because she scrambled to grab the smallest jersey and a cute yarn hat. As I looked over the items, Curtis walked in, decked out and proudly displaying his school spirit; his face and hair were painted half purple and half white. I picked the most reserved items from the loot Steve brought which included a t-shirt and baseball cap. Sierra had me paint black lines under her eyes. She painted white WS which she outlined in purple on my cheek. I felt completely ridiculous until we got closer to the football stadium and I discovered the whole town went crazy for Western State football.
We had to walk through two different parking lots to get to the stadium, both lots put new meaning to the word tailgating. It wasn’t just the college kids, although a few of the fraternities had some pretty sweet set ups. My favorite was an old couple, Alfred and Norma, and by old I mean great grandparents old. He was wearing what appeared to be an authentic jersey from a million years ago. His motor-home was taking up two parking spaces; they had the awning out and the grill going. Norma was climbing out of the motor-home with a huge bowl of potato salad, which she put on their portable picnic table alongside the baked beans, three different kinds of chips, fruit salad, cookies, buns and all the fixings to feed half the crowd. Listening to Norma share how they had been college sweethearts, who met the first day on campus and were married Christmas Eve. Against the odds, she went on to finish her degree and was the first in her family to get her master’s degree. Alfred managed to maintain his football scholarship and also completed his master’s degree. She worked for 35 years as a RN and he for 20 years as a high school teacher and coach, then another 20 years as a principal. They never had children of their own but, as was evident by the crowd, they were never short of people to take care of. We hung around helping them clean up before heading in to watch the game. There was something in the way Norma talked to me, I knew Sierra was there too but it was as if I was the only one Norma saw. When it was time to make our way into the stadium she hugged me, she had more strength than anyone her age should have. The warmth and the peace I felt in her arms can’t be described. She whispered words of encouragement, telling me that it was okay to take my time figuring out a major. It was the goodbye Alfred gave me that left me speechless, he told me, “Having you here answers the question I have had for the last couple of years. When we first met Steve, Norma went on and on about how much he reminded her of me all those year ago. Watching her interact with you today, I know she will agree with me when I tell her how much you remind me of her from all those years ago. Don’t discount the endless possibilities that come from love.” With that he kissed my forehead and walked away.
Everything after that was just crazy; I had never experienced a college football game. The excitement of the players and the crowd, it was infectious. We sat in the student section, with what I imagine was 95% of Western State’s student body; the other 5% were down on the field. I know the Seahawks fans are supposed to be the loudest ever, but I think Western State fans could go head to head with them. Looking around, I realized Curtis and his half purple/half white paint wasn’t the craziest thing I saw. That went to a group of topless guys who were sporting letters on their front and back. W-E-S-T-E-R-N on the front. when they around, they spelled out S-T-A-T-E. The W guy had a football on his back and the N guy had what looked like a football field. I made the decision I would be a little bolder for the next game. Thankfully we won and the celebrating continued all the way back to the dorm.
Watching Hannah could very well be my most favorite thing in the whole world. Her eyes light up in a way that shows her true happiness. It’s refreshing to see the wonder and excitement she has with all the things that are new to her.
Standing back today watching her connect with Norma made my heart grow, kind of like the Grinch. Life hasn’t been easy which means I have overlooked so many little things that make me happy. Seeing her experience them and watching her happiness grow reminds me that my life isn’t all bad.
That still doesn’t mean I want to see her experience a frat party. Fuck me if I haven’t been trying to come up with something that will prevent them from coming tonight. I have a million ideas, but there is no way the two of them are going to fall for them.