My mother says that everything can change in just a day. I smile and say, "Well mom, it's been one hell of a long damn day then". But yes, I do understand what it is she is trying to convey.
-In a day I finally found the help for Brian I have been searching for 5 years.
-In a day, my x husband stepped forward when I became ill and transformed himself to a supportive, caring father and friend.
-In a day I left a career that was killing me with stress and found my energy again.
-In a day, my Hashimotos eased and I found the ability to exercise, garden and play with Brian. I haven't felt this good in 4 years.
-In a day I made friends with a new circle of women that changed my life.
-In a day Brian achieved confidence and true friendship with a small football organization and found peace and happiness there.
No life is perfect, or without trials and heartache. But there are times where I am able to sit and see clearly how fortunate I am. Saturday night some old friends invited me to bring Brian to the opening game classic of the SRJC Bearcubs, and it was just one of those times. Brian was thrilled, as he wanted to see our neighbor Rob couch his offensive line. Rob plays Arena football for Las Vegas when he is not coaching and going to school to get his masters. I had no expectations of this evening, just to let Brian enjoy the football night.
After paying, we search for some very dear old friends of mine, Frank and Trish. I remember when they began dating in high school, and now their son is a starting offensive lineman at this college we once all attended. Little did I know tonight we would be invited to a huge white tent on the field behind the north goal post and Brian would have a front row seat to a college footabll game from field view. I thought Brian was going to twist right out of his skin.
It was catered, and I began seeing some faces I haven't seen in years. It was just like stepping back in time those college days, except we are just a wee bit older. For Trish and I, it was as if we'd seen eachother yeasterday...its been since Brian went trick or treating at her house and I was married. Frank is still the "mayor" as we used to call him - talking and shaking everyone's hands. Trish and I are laughing and laughing, and Frank gives us this look like he used to - a "girls behave" look. Trish and I share the same birthday - not a chance. How I love them, and it has been too long since I've seen them.
As I sat on the field with my right arm around Brian, memories begin to flood my mind. The track is is where Rich used to come find me running on Tuesday and Thursday nights and he would run with me - long before I understood that he liked me. The aerobics class with the teacher who would make us run the bleachers to our left (for our butts). The football games and the fun parties after. The incredible friends and the 60+ of us that used to hang out and go everywhere together. Looking about the stadium, I could smell our college days in the crisp evening air. I was glad to be there, glad for the moment for Brian. A very special day, he will remember forever.
Brian snaps me out of my college days by pointing out the guy who plays the same position as him on the field. Just then Rob waves to Brian from the sidelines, and now Brian is in heaven, and looks about to see if eveeryone noticed that Rob waved at him. Now he is sure he really is "all that". Trish comes and sits next to me and we give eachother the 20 minute versions of the last 10 years. Trish insists that we get together this month and an old dear friendship is reborn. Frank, (also the x coach from SSU), smiles at the thought of seeing Brian grow up around football. He finds real humor in it since I always used to say my son wouldgrow up to golf - not football.
The Bears win 62 - 0. It could have been more, but I had to get Brian home to bed to prepare for his big game day.
GAMEDAY: Today Brian was able to make his first big tackle. They won 38-0.
Yes mom, all it takes ... is just a day.
C
