Thursday, September 8, 2011

Friday Night Lights


I love the sense of community that oozes out of small Texas towns on a Friday night.  My dad, known to Owen as Coach for good reason, coached high school football in my hometown for nearly two decades. As an elementary schooler, I remember wearing my Head Coach's Kid  t-shirt around the stadium on game night and feeling like I ruled the world.  I could not have been any more proud to be my dad's daughter if he had been president of the whole United States.  When I was a teenager, I sat in the stands with the dance line and cheered on my dad and his team.  I watched every play, annoyed by the girls around me who didn't even know if we were on offense or defense.  

Strange fact:  He once had to coach a game in a bullet proof vest because we were getting death threat calls at our house.  It even earned him a blurb on the national news and brought the FBI to our living room.  Texans take their football seriously.




It worked out perfectly this past weekend that we were able to go to a Crosby Cougar game on my dad's 60th birthday.  He's a Kindergarten principal now and says 300 hugs a day is just as much fun as two-a-days.  They have a group of kids called Bleacher Creatures who run out on the field ahead of the team as the marching band blares and pounds out the school fight song, and my dad arranged for Owen to run with them.  He was a little overwhelmed by the whole spectacle, but it felt great to see him be a part of something that was such a big part of my childhood.





5 comments:

Grandma DD said...

So precious to pay homage to your dad. He will love this. Hugs and kisses sent your way and to Owen too.

Aunt Pam said...

This truly touched my heart. I tried to say more but that says it all. I was so glad to see you and little Owen this past weekend. Love you much.

Coach said...

Shelley, You have such a knack for saying the right things. I felt such a strong since of pride in reading the things you wrote though I know how much my career cost me some precious time I could have been spending with my family. I hope you always knew how much I loved all of my girls. I do miss coaching the games on Friday nights, but do not miss the hot sun during two-a-days. In the photo you took of me, I do believe I look 60. Thank you for the tribute. Some day I will write my book and will pay tribute to all of my family. Love you!!

Casa Jacaranda said...

Heartfelt words and priceless memories so lovingly expressed, Shelley! You are a sterling daughter every parent would cherish in their life. Love, Rita

Momof3 said...

Wow I really enjoyed reading this I love me some Davenports lol I miss Crosby thanks for bringing me back