Last night my family and I went to our town’s first high school football game of the season. This was the first time that we attended a sporting event in the community we have called home for over 6 years. The reason we went to this particular game was to cheer on one of Ryan’s clients (captain of the football team). Prior to last night, I would see families all decked out in Trojan (our mascot) wear and think, poor things, tied down by the commitment of their children’s interests, yuck never me. Yet something happened last night as I sat on the top bleacher in our brand new stadium, taking in the masses of people that came out to support the team: I got it.
As I took it all in it hit me, every one of us (including my family) felt immersed in a culture of community. Where we came together on our own free will to celebrate a shared interest, the children of our town. The game continued and I found myself becoming more and more engrossed in the game, environment, and truly part of something great.
When our gladiators made a good play I experienced a rush of joy and a sense of pride with them. I didn’t believe that was possible beings not one of my buns (that I made in my oven) was participating. That’s when I looked closer and realized that the crowd was a mix of parents, grandparents, alumni, community members that enjoyed football, and peers. From infant to elderly we focused on the field sending positive roots towards the young men playing for fun, competition, and the pure love of the sport.
I left the stadium with a changed perspective and a better understanding of how amazing it feels to be a part of something bigger than my own intimate world. Now when I see a community member representing the Trojan team I will be taken back to last night and the feeling of having a sense of community.