Thursday, December 1, 2011

Roll Tide


I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart: I am, I am, I am.
Sylvia Plath 

Roll Tide. Rolling tide. Rolling. Been a while since I've posted, but I am still rolling. Not certain it is a clean roll. Lots of undertow in the tide.

As many have experienced, a death in the family often produces a fog that blocks the roads ahead. Thought processes muddle or become stagnant. For me, both true. Varied thoughts all the time and  gathering them into a cohesive plan for life action has taken time. Not to say I'm all organized now, for that sure as hell ain't true (nor never possibly has been.) But I do have a new list of action items - things that must get done. It is a start.

"Write a new post" on my list. Here we go.

This is what $230 will get you for a seat at an Alabama game - one that also includes the #1 and #2 team.

Last summer, when we chose to attend the Alabama/LSU football game, we had no idea that by the time the game rolled around, these two would be the top two teams in the nation (or that our tickets had tripled in price.) Oh, what fun. We drove the 11 hour drive to Tuscaloosa and invaded our youngest son's spotless apartment. (I mean - that boy DID learn how to clean a bathroom when he lived at home.)  His three roommates were thrilled to have us spend a couple of days there. Such nice boys.


 The night before the game, we began tailgating on campus. Never had I seen such a set up - not at a Michigan State, Texas, Colorado, Michigan, Texas A&M, etc. game. Thousands of tents. Countless RV's set up everywhere from fields on campus to the shopping malls. 175,000 people milling about.

The fun began - early morning. A rare open space here.
 
 There we were, a couple of former Yankees in the deep South.

Even the ESPN guys were there.

Throngs of people.


The streets jam packed all day long.


One of the many, many RV parking lots.

According to some, watching the game on TV was the equivalent of the Boring Bowl. For those present, Alabama's loss in this defensive struggle, 9-6, was most intense to sit through. 
Best thing? Good chance  these two teams will meet again for the National Championship.

Other than being with youngest son, best thing about the trip?

Stopped in New Orleans on the way home. Husband finally got to garner the experience. Made him stand here for the traditional photo.

I won't have to listen to him whine about never being there, anymore.

Meanwhile....

I've pretty much felt like this big block of ice for the past couple of months. Losing your mom is an odd thing to process.
I believe I've broken off from the big pile and find floating has unstuck me some. Hoping for a bigger melt real soon. The fog has lifted and offers a path.

To all of you who have written me and to all who left such lovely comments on my mom's last blog post at Old? Who Me?, please accept my heartfelt thanks.

Roll Tide!

15 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to read about your mom's death. I still miss my mom but I've got good memories so that's a help.

    I just loved reading about the fun you had at the football game! There's nothing more fun that a happy bunch of tailgaters!

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  2. Glad to see you back posting, I've missed reading your posts.

    I think I sat in that exact same chair Bob is in drinking a hurricane the last time I was in New Orleans, what a great city, so much fun to be had.

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  3. I think if we honor our moms when they leave us, it is a little easier. Whatever that honoring looks like.

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  4. Sorry to hear of your lose. It has been lonely not hearing from you.I on the other hand secured a job, of all things to do.I need to get down to the Tide, it sounds fun just to be part of. Near me they do the same at Nebraska.The sad thing is it is hard to get tickets ever.

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  5. Glad you've found some words for us - we've missed you! Small world ... my grandsons and all the men in my son-in-laws family were at that game, so you might even have sat next to them!

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  6. CherylK - Thank you for your words. I think I agree with you - that I will miss my mom but I have her in my heart.

    The football game was fun. Just what I needed.

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  7. Frank - Thanks for being glad. Forward movement, yes? Yes, New Orleans very fun. One in the group needs to keep it together though. Who knows where you might end up.


    Linda - yes "whatever that honoring looks like." Sometimes hard to decipher. Sorry for your loss.

    Out of the Prarie - congrats on the job. Yahoo! Yes, there is a new ticket agency online - Spud something. Can get tickets at outrageous prices, but I can understand still not getting them Nebraska. That is one tough group.

    Linda - I wish I'd known we could have hooked up right there on the main drag. That is where we were hanging out. I let you know if we go again next year.

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  8. Thanks for the update. I am glad you all were able to get away--thought the UA game sounds more like an event experience than restful. The game was for those who like solid defense; that is for sure.

    I hope you have a nice weekend.

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  9. Yes my dear - it has to happen - that breaking off, that floating free - it is what your Mum would have wished - not that that makes it any easier.

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  10. I surely understand that floating feeling! Hugging you gently
    SueAnn

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  11. The football game and New Orleans looks like a fun time. So happy you had a chance to get away and just enjoy your family, losing you mother is hard and it hasn't been that long since your father passed. Do whatever it takes to get through this time, your mom would want you happy. I miss her as well, sending big hugs.....:-)

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  12. So glad to see you back on the blog again...I've been thinking about you and hoping things are going well enough...considering.

    Take all the time you need...and we'll be here cheering you toward less foggy days.

    Hugs, Becky

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  13. Looks like a fun day at the game. Very similar to our Ragin' Cajun tailgating parties, minus the Cajun food and music. Geaux Tigers!:)
    Also, glad your hubby finally got to experience New Orleans.

    I totally understand about the mental fog that follows, after losing a parent. It's a very hard thing and will take time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  14. I made a "chip off the ol' block" connection here... Glad you're feeling better, and I can imagine that really feeling better will take some real time. Your friends are here for you.

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  15. Glad to see you're writing... and getting out to spend time with your son and watch the Tide!

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