A volunteer weekend.

This weekend we went to the UT/Auburn game in Knoxville, Tn. We met my son at the famous Torch to get our tickets. It was a beautiful Tennessee weekend that can only be understood by those who have lived here and learned to appreciate the fresh, crisp blue skies of October and the mountain air that blows from the East Tennessee hills. It is such a privilege to be involved in this passage of parenthood. As we sat on the steps waiting for my son I felt such a sense of thankfulness to be here, in the place, in this stage of my life as a mother. I have pulled for this Volunteer team since a small child. My father was a school teacher in Huntland, he taught History and Science and his love for this tradition grew from knowing and teaching the Tennessee family of Majors' kids. I remember listening to his stories of taking the Huntland kids on trips to Washington and watching those Majors' boys play football at Huntland. As we sat with my son in the outrageous student section I found such a surreal peace and enjoyment being there. It seemed so right of a place to be. Meeting some of my son's friends, feeling the excitement of a new football year with a new coach, realizing my daughter will be there soon. Feeling so thankful to be able to share this time with my kids. As we held onto the hope that our Volunteer's could pull out a victory....I realized many victories have already been won. I am able to enjoy a beautiful weekend with my kids. I can see, hear, walk long distances, yell, be excited, be sad, be involved, be alive. What a wonderful memory to be on the end of the row...watching friends come to see my daughter and be excited about her coming here one day...seeing my son wearing his late grandfather's orange shirt from 1962....remembering my dad telling me "the Volunteer's are on TV today and we are going to watch them." And I am still watching them. A tradition I have grown to love dearly and it is getting better all the time.