Sorry about this picture not being centered! I am still learning about this whole blog thing. Anyway, I have a new favorite song. It's by Kenny Chesney and it's called, "The Boys of Fall." The first time I heard it, I couldn't keep the tears back. If you know me at all, you know that I cry at the drop of a hat, but this song really touched me. I am sure it's because of many reasons. The first being is that it reminded me of my Dad. I miss him so much! Dad was a HUGE fan of BYU sports. He lived and breathed BYU Football and Basketball. Whenever BYU had an away game, every TV and radio in our house was on. It was not good to be home when BYU lost! When I was a little girl, being the oldest child, my Dad took me to all the BYU football games with him. He very patiently explained the game to me. By the time I was 10, I knew the game pretty good, especially for a girl. I remember getting bundled up in several layers as it was freezing cold, or just wearing a jacket for a night game in the fall weather. I LOVED that time I spent with my Dad and will be forever grateful for those memories.
I have to admit, a part of me went back to my High School days and being a cheerleader. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't go back if you paid me a million dollars....well maybe for a million. But for a minute, I could remember those Football games. The pep rally's, the bon fires, the big posters for the team to run through, cheering in the rain, long bus rides, leading the fans in the school song, and cheering for those boys of fall. What is wrong with me???? Those really were good times!
Fast forward several years and now I am married to a Boy of Fall. He had a scholarship to Ricks (before it was BYU-I) to play for their football team. However, before his Sr. year, he was in an accident and broke his ankle. He sat out all but two games that year and the Ricks FB coaches decided his injury could be reoccurring, so there went the scholarship. I would have given anything to see him play! Regardless, he still has football in his blood and when he heard this song, he too teared up. Once a football player, always a football player! His fingers are permanently disfigured due to the fact he was a receiver. And, the crooked nose??? Yes, many football injuries. But, he would go back and play in a minute.
It's now 2010, and I have my OWN boy of fall! TJ is playing on the 9th grade team at Morgantown High School. Only a Mom knows what goes on in your head and heart when you see YOUR child run on the field. It seems as though time stands still and many prayers are offered that they don't get hurt too bad. TJ has played since he was in 2nd grade. It's been fun to watch him grow and learn and finally get some size. He is still short, (sure that's my fault) but he is growing. I am so proud of him and I am his biggest cheerleader!
Treyson would give anything to be a Boy of Fall. But, if we signed him up to play football here, all the games are on Sunday. This is one of the huge disadvantages of living in the mission field. He has had to give up so many sporting advents. But, he does it because he knows it's the right thing to do. Is is hard? Sure, especially when all of his friends at school are talking about the games, or the best tackle, or the plays or practice. But, he holds his head high and knows that he will be blessed for his decision. Someday, Treyson will be my Boy of Fall.
I LOVE all MY boys of fall so much. I am so proud of them and proud to be their wife and Mom. Here's to MY Boys of Fall!
When I feel that chill and smell that wet cut grass
I'm back in my helmet cleats and shoulder pads
Standin in the huddle listenin to the call
Fans going crazy for the boys of fall.
They didn't let just anybody in that club
Took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood
To get to wear those game day jerseys down the hall
King of the school man we're the boys of fall.
Well it's turnin' to face the stars and stripes
It's fighting back them butterflies
It's call it in the air alright, yes sir we want the ball
And it's knockin' heads and talkin trash
It's slinging mud and dirt and grass
It's I got your number, I got your back
When your backs against the wall
You mess with one man you got us all
The Boys of Fall.
In little towns like mine it's all they got
Newspaper clippings fill the coffee shops
The old men will always think they know it all
Young girls will dream of The Boys of Fall!
The Boys of Fall!
