I have a feeling all of us will remember where we were on Monday January 1st 2024 - even if we win the whole thing.
I was in a great place, despite being out of town the week prior and going out New Year's Eve we accepted an invite to hang out with our old tailgate friends. Friends who, 20-25 years ago we'd spend much of football season with. Definitely tailgate days. And then other social occasions throughout the year, but the football season was the best. Multiple members of our wedding party were in the room.
Now we all see each other in spurts. Never the entire family, one dad showing up at the tailgate for a few hours before going to a soccer game, one spouse having a rare week where they can join the other and see their old friends, etc. Some we don't see for years.
But Monday a ton of us were together, like those great times and the celebration was unforgettable. We sang the victors and I facetimed my freshman wolverine so she could join us. 16 years ago a friend asked if he was doing something wrong as a dad as the same daughter sang the victors at a year and a half. He was with me in the room.
Our team, led by my first sports hero had won the Rose Bowl by dethroning the current kings of the sport, in dramatic fashion.
Since then everything has been better, the coffee has been better, conversations with the kids and wife carry more smiles and laughs and work, while perhaps a bit less productive has been more enjoyable.
What happened Monday impacted my life in a profoundly positive way. That says whatever it says about me. But its undeniable.
I found this forum around 2002 - on my work laptop at my girlfriend (now wife's) condo and was quickly hooked. I text daily with lifelong friends made that year. Again a real impact on my life.
And now this week I'm planning a trip to Houston, checking in with dad who introduced me to this school and team and urging my freshman daughter to get back to campus early for what might be party she'll talk about for the rest of her life.
As a younger man I gave more thought to what should make me happy. Approaching 50, I'm more content to take and savor the smiles as they come, from whereever they come.
This Michigan football climb and everything that surrounds it this week has brought me pure joy and I'm thankful for that and for all that can identify to any level with what I'm saying.
A virtual fist bump to all. A thank you to Jim and his boys. A thank you to Josh for keeping the doors open and the service top notch at my favorite sports bar and a Go Blue to the world!!!
I was in a great place, despite being out of town the week prior and going out New Year's Eve we accepted an invite to hang out with our old tailgate friends. Friends who, 20-25 years ago we'd spend much of football season with. Definitely tailgate days. And then other social occasions throughout the year, but the football season was the best. Multiple members of our wedding party were in the room.
Now we all see each other in spurts. Never the entire family, one dad showing up at the tailgate for a few hours before going to a soccer game, one spouse having a rare week where they can join the other and see their old friends, etc. Some we don't see for years.
But Monday a ton of us were together, like those great times and the celebration was unforgettable. We sang the victors and I facetimed my freshman wolverine so she could join us. 16 years ago a friend asked if he was doing something wrong as a dad as the same daughter sang the victors at a year and a half. He was with me in the room.
Our team, led by my first sports hero had won the Rose Bowl by dethroning the current kings of the sport, in dramatic fashion.
Since then everything has been better, the coffee has been better, conversations with the kids and wife carry more smiles and laughs and work, while perhaps a bit less productive has been more enjoyable.
What happened Monday impacted my life in a profoundly positive way. That says whatever it says about me. But its undeniable.
I found this forum around 2002 - on my work laptop at my girlfriend (now wife's) condo and was quickly hooked. I text daily with lifelong friends made that year. Again a real impact on my life.
And now this week I'm planning a trip to Houston, checking in with dad who introduced me to this school and team and urging my freshman daughter to get back to campus early for what might be party she'll talk about for the rest of her life.
As a younger man I gave more thought to what should make me happy. Approaching 50, I'm more content to take and savor the smiles as they come, from whereever they come.
This Michigan football climb and everything that surrounds it this week has brought me pure joy and I'm thankful for that and for all that can identify to any level with what I'm saying.
A virtual fist bump to all. A thank you to Jim and his boys. A thank you to Josh for keeping the doors open and the service top notch at my favorite sports bar and a Go Blue to the world!!!
