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The Football Game

By Poteet Tuesday, April 01, 2008

The midwest had a wicked winter for weather, and being on chemo as well did not leave much energy for big outings with my six-year old son.  So, this past weekend, we took him and one of his friends to an arena football game.  First of all, arena football is great.  Bodies slamming into the wall, footballs flying into the stands, pyrotechnics and dancers everywhere.  Give a couple of little boys great seats, a free t-shirt and rally towel and you've created instant success.  To quote my son "Whoa Nelly."

 

Mid-game one of the players tosses a football at the boys.  I thought I was going to have to strap them into the seats to keep them down.  Jumping and yelling and big eyed excitement that even superceded the icy-cone.  Major score.

 

I leaned across my husband to talk to my son and felt the feminine pinch --- those of you who still have no hair will someday too feel the pinch.  That new hair in the bikini line versus underwear pinch.   It was a good yank too.  I must have winced because my hubby asked if I was okay.  I just nodded and gave him that 'not-now' look.  (This is arena football and I was the only female nearby.)

 

After the game we waited to thank the player for the football, he comes out, looks at us, and goes and gets a second football so each boy would have his own.  It was very generous.  He looks at me in my scarf and says "We're good?"  I smiled and said "We're great."

 

"That's a blessing."

 

Little does he know.  My son didn't get to "do" much over the winter.  Mom certainly didn't feel up to things like sports games or outings that energetic little boys usually enjoy.   So, for our first big Saturday evening out this player took time to brighten his life with a football and an autograph.
 

So, to me, he was the blessing.  Noting that I was part of the "sisterhood" and generously gifting a football to my son and his friend made the night even more special.  While the guys will remember the football the rest of their lives, I'll remember the player who brought a light to their eyes.

 

Oh, and in a sidebar, I later explained to my husband that these undies wouldn't work during the 'growing back' process, they pinched.  He blinked.  "Pinched what?" 

 

Sigh - Never mind.  Obviously he's never shaved his bikini line.

 

Take care everyone and watch out --- you never know where you'll find your next blessing.

 

 

PTSD - Post "Treatment" Stress Disorder
4/ 1/08 4:24pm

Hi Poteet,

 

Yet another inspiring and entertaining story from you -- always so great. And this one, I must say, is one of the most unique I've seen, of footballs and bikini "grow back" -- you're an artist of life, no doubt. Thanks for writing. Enjoy it all (pinching or not!)

 

Best to you,

Maria 

PJ Hamel, Health Guide
4/ 3/08 6:34pm

Oh, Poteet - I could totally feel myself there at arena football - I remember my own son at that age, and the wriggling, vibrating, physical EXCITEMENT of everything. That climbing into a tree and jumping out into space exuberance... I'm sure they must have been beyond thrilled to get those footballs.

And what a great moment you describe, connecting with the player. WOW. Sends a chill down my spine.

As for the pinch - I'd never heard it described exactly like that, but I totally know what you mean! You're incredibly observant, and have a great way with words. Too bad when our hair grows back, it doesn't grow exactly where we want it to, eh? I would have been happy to say, OK, grow on my head and eyelashes and eyebrows, but you can skip the legs and underarms. And as for that other area in between... well, here's what I'd like to see happen...

Big Grin

 

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By Poteet— Last Modified: 12/10/10, First Published: 04/01/08