Perspectives

"A" and "L" before the Game

This past weekend, Coach and I got the rare opportunity to watch a football game together. I can't even remember the last time we watched a live-action football game together, but I think it was two years ago when we watched the Lions face off against Denver. This weekend, we took the girls up to our Alma Mater, where he played football and we both went to school, to watch the Homecoming football game. I was excited, because I was looking forward to having someone there to explain all of the stuff I never understand about what's going on down on the turf. And.... he was about to get a taste of what I do at his games, which is chase the girls up and down the bleachers, seeking them out each time they disappear in the hoard of people while my heart jumps into my throat. I was actually going to be able to watch the entire game (for once) while he chased the kids around.

In hindsight, I think he had a totally different idea in mind for what the day would be like. I think he was under the impression that he'd sit there, deep in thought as he dissected each play, reminiscing about his glory days down on that same field, as a player and a coach. He'd munch his popcorn and sip on Gatorade as the girls and his wife sat quietly next to him. I also realize, looking back, that we should have had a game plan of our own.

Playing "Tackle the Dad"

I thought the girls were pretty good at the game. They stayed pretty much where we were sitting, and instead of 20 trips to the bathroom/concessions, they averaged out at around 10. How unfair is that? And did I get to watch the game? Well... I tried. At times during the game, Coach was so busy watching what was going on that he didn't notice our 3-year-old pummeling the gentleman (who had the unfortunate luck of sitting in front of us) with her feet for the 23rd time or our 5-year old proclaiming loud enough for everyone within a 30-foot radius of us to hear, "I have to go to the bathroom... NOW!" (That comment was edited, by the way). He was also blissfully oblivious to the annoyed party to our right who had to keep getting up and moving so me and one or both kids could make our 9th trip up top, where the food and bathrooms were. I still chased kids and tried to dislodge my heart from my throat.

Hamming it up at the Game

To be fair, he did share kid-duty with me but he was getting so impatient with the girls that it sort of annoyed me. His comment somewhere around the end of the 2nd Quarter was, "I don't know how you do this!!! These girls are being so difficult!" And here I thought it was a good day. "Now you know what I'm doing at your games." I said back with a sweet smile, seething a little on the inside.  The girls and I really enjoy going each week to watch Coach and his team in action, but what I really wanted to say was, "Well, I get really annoyed chasing the kids around the football stadium too!" I guess I was hoping for a little reprieve. From Coach's perspective, I think he must have thought the experience would be different too.

In short, it was enlightening for both of us. I realized that we're each exactly where we're supposed to be during the football games. He really enjoys coaching and working with the kids each week and it gives him, what I now realize, is the much needed break he needs. I enjoy going to the games and kid-chasing comes with the territory (someday they'll appreciate it... right?). I kind of shudder to think what it'd be like if our roles were reversed (I would be the world's worst Football coach). After this weekend, I think we're both right where we're supposed to be.