Orange

It’s football season! I KNOW this is hard without your sidekick. I know today will be HARD without him beside you. The two of you talked so much trash on these Saturdays! Especially on the big ones, like today - the Big Orange vs. the Crimson Tide!!

As my heart contemplates that you are where you want to be today, right in the heart of things, back in your stomping grounds, your adopted home… the merge of two of your favorite places, albeit rivals on the football field. These physical places have both been good to you at different stages of your life. May this day that you have spent many travel hours and planning to be present…. be ALL that you want it to be, my sweet boy! My hope is that today will provide yet another wipe of sweet salve healing that cracked heart of yours, trying to navigate young man adulthood without your hero.

But God’s got us both… I know that is not tangible, but trust me: HE.SEES.YOU.!

So, wear the Orange proudly, in the sea of crimson and have a blast! May this bring you a moment of joy to wash away the darkness of the forest we have had to navigate this past year. May your joyful heart be good medicine to your soul.

I know Dad is watching… as I put his big orange raincoat on yesterday and plunged my hand into the pocket, I found a zip lock bag holding the two ticket stubs of the last Big Orange game y’all attended in person…. in 2009!!! An Easter egg of sorts for one of us remaining here to find… and what perfect timing! So it’s high time you are back on track, cheering on your beloved team in person! I KNOW he’s there with you and finding these ticket stubs was his Heaven hug for us both.

Warrior on sweet boy - it will get better, God promised.

“We consider those blessed who remained steadfast…the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11)

Love you lots, miss you much, Mom.