Talk about all the feels …
Last Friday night marked the end of an era: O’s last high school football game. It was also Senior Night. For S and me, it was our first and our last, which made it that much more bittersweet.
SIDE NOTE/EXPLANATION: Our oldest graduated high school during COVID, so all the norms for high school athletes that year were abandoned — no senior night, no college signing day, no pomp and circumstance. We weren’t even allowed to attend his lacrosse games (although we did — from across the street, incognito).
I have a confession to make: I’ve been to Senior Night games before, when our boys were the underclassmen on teams, and I’ve always thought it was a bit extra. I really didn’t get it. I thought it was unnecessary, even aggrandizing, to have the parents involved. After all, it’s not Parents Night; it’s Senior Night. It’s about the kids. But now that I’ve experienced it first-hand, I totally get it. I appreciate all the effort that went into making it so special, because it was just that — special. Talk about all the feels!
To say the night was emotional would be an understatement. The stadium was lined with images of the seniors, and the pregame event was intense. Think red carpet, but on a football field. And as an added bonus, my parents drove down from Long Island to surprise Oliver. Again, talk about all the feels.
The game didn’t end as we’d hoped, but damn if those boys didn’t play their hearts out. Despite the loss, O had a great game — some big catches, a huge punt return, and a handful of tackles.
When the game was over, the tears flowed. It’s the end of an era, and that notion wasn’t lost on anyone. The boys exchanged hugs, posed for photos, and sat on the 50-yard line until the stadium cleared out. It was a night I’m sure they’ll never forget.
I don’t know what the future holds for O or any of the other seniors, but I do know two thing: these memories will last a lifetime, and I’m going to miss watching my kid play his heart out on Friday nights under the lights.
— LJDT
