Another Big Day

Just like it was January of 2002. I was under anesteshia having a screw drilled and hammered out of my knee from a previous ACL surgery. It was my 3rd (or was this my 4th?) time having knee surgery and I have never done well coming off of anesthesia. This time was no different. Just as fast as my consciousness rose, my body temperature dropped. And, just like they've done every time before they piled warm blankets on top of me to try and keep me warm. This time all I wanted was my dad. I don't remember all of the circumstances. Maybe Mom was at work and I knew somehow that he was there. Nonetheless, I just WANTED MY DAD! And, I remember asking for him over and over. 

Then, there he was. I could see him out of the corner of my eye, walking in the room, walking rather fast toward my bed. He quickly said the words that were so important right then and there for me to hear. "Jess, Steve Spurrier retired today." Did this just happen, I think to myself. Am I sure I'm not dreaming? Am I sure I'm honestly laying on this hospital bed post-op with a father who's number one thing he thinks to tell me is that Steve Spurrier retired today? Yes, it's all real. And, even though I'm delirious, half breathing and shaking uncontrollably I understand. It was a big day. Our arch nemesis was leaving our arch nemesis team. Good. Maybe they'll finally be bad. 

Today is like no other. Except the feelings are quite the opposite. Luckily, I can say that today I did not go under the knife, but I will say that after watching his press conference I'm not quite sure my heart didn't. Our father of all things Tennessee football resigned today. I know it's time. It really is. We're last in the SEC this year which is unheard of in Vol Country, but, still...he's been there since I was 11 years old. For 17 years now every Saturday in the Fall that man has been the one standing on the side of the field. With the famous smile he makes when something goes wrong. The way he always holds it together, even when every one else in the stadium is cussing out the referees. The way he claps. The way he runs out to shake the hand of the other coach at the end of the game, always with his daughter running a few steps behind. Not to mention my sister went to senior prom with his son. It was 1990. She wore a short, red velvet dress with long black gloves. I wanted to be her. So 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. I digress....

Tomorrow. Well, it's another big day. It's an election that will not soon be forgotten.

So, for today and tomorrow and every day thereafter I wish for the same thing with both circumstances. Unity. I want to see our Vols rally around our coach who took us to numerous SEC championships and a National Championship in 1998...rally around whoever feels his mighty big shoes. And, I want to see our country rally around whoever wins the majority vote tomorrow. Whoever the guy is, he's our leader for the next four years.

Here's to change! Even if it's not always invited, it's good. 

We'll miss you big guy... (do you think Clomid could possibly be making me an emotional wreck??)