Win or Lose...

It's how you play the game.

I have never been an athlete, or even sports-minded for that matter.  But this year, our daughter started at the high school, and is interested in attending the football games.  She is such a life-cheerleader kind of girl, so she is all about supporting the team, as you can imagine.  She's only been in the school system a few short weeks - but don't mess with her team, her band, or her friends.

Game One:  hubby was working the late shift and son was sick -- so off my daughter and I went on this new adventure.

Game Two:  hubby was held up at work, and son was working - so, it was just us girls again.

So that's TWO, count 'em TWO games that my daughter and I attended together.  We have lots of fun when we go!  My daughter has classes (and lunch) with lots of band members (I like to call them "bandies"), and so she is always excited when the band takes the field at half-time.  Also - she knows all the songs that the band plays, and back-stories behind each of them.  And if there is anything special going on with the band (i.e. alumni night), my girl is the one to ask.  Nope.  She's not IN the band... she's just like... their press secretary.  Hey - just sayin'.  The girl knows what's going on.

So, last Friday night she knew that the 8th grade band members would be there from the Jr.High School, and would march along with our high school band at half-time.  We cheered.  We were excited.  We love the band.

The football team is great too, but  my daughter and I admitted to one another that really... we don't know for sure which end of the field our guys are running for.  (That could possibly say something about the expertise of our team.  Hmmmm, I'm no professional, as I've just confessed -- so I could be way wrong on that.)

Anyways, we've come to realize that we are really just band groupies.  There.  I said it.  Honestly, some people wait for the football team after the game.  We stand in the parking lot, and wait for the band to march their way from the field to the building where they store their uniforms and instruments.  My daughter happily waves to her friends as they high-step it past us.

And...

Let me tell you about one more school tradition that has brought tears to my eyes after BOTH games that we attended.  The band makes it's way from the end-zone bleachers to the track beside the field, and meets up with the cheerleaders in front of the home bleachers.  The football players come jogging over from the field.  The fans stand at their seats, the band begins to play the alma mater, and everyone sings.  Win or lose.  There's a whole lot of clapping and cheering.  It's an amazing thing.

Now, maybe this is tradition where you live.  But, you know - I haven't been to that many football games in my lifetime, and so -- this was a really cool thing to be a part of.  Win or lose.

And speaking of win or lose, I'm going to google "football rules" - so, you know... maybe by the time the next home game rolls around, I'll actually know what's going on.

I know.  I'm not getting my hopes up.

*note to self: also google "alma mater lyrics"

Afterthought: If you found yourself chuckling a little a lot while reading this post, that's okay.  My daughter and I know we're a little goofy.  But laugh WITH us, and not AT us, okay?  --'Cuz we're having fun!

I'm linking up with Money Shot Monday 

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