Surprised, upset, or elated? How did you feel after Super Bowl LIX? I hope you came out ahead if you put money or a friendly bet on the game.
The day before the Eagles, spread their wings and soared over the Chiefs, I huddled in a park with ten men. One of them asked me if I was a sports fan. I shook my head no and answered the next question.
They asked about my work and hobbies.
It was my first time with the men who exercise daily together in various locations around the neighborhood. I decided to join the group last weekend because I had a gap in my training schedule. The session went well, and their questions served as an attempt to invite me inside their circle.
That was Saturday.
On Tuesday morning, in 33F temperatures, I didn’t expect to see anyone outside. The darkness and cold keep most inside or at the gym. However, I ran into a group from Saturday’s session around one turn of my route.
I thought about their profound commitment to health when exercising outdoors in frigid weather conditions. It was impossible not to respect their dedication. They will see me again.
Back to last Sunday.
Did you watch the game alone or with family and friends?
Before Sunday’s Super Bowl, I hadn’t watched more than a few NFL highlights in eight years. I’ve always preferred playing sports over spectating. While living abroad, I didn’t prioritize keeping up with any professional teams.
My middle son surprised me when he asked, “Dad, are we watching the Super Bowl?” His sport is soccer, and he has never witnessed me watch the NFL at home.
He had plans to get the game from Tubi. When he asked me about creating an account, I remembered the few occasions I watched games with my dad and complied with his request.
On Sunday, I almost missed creating comparable memories with my sons. Before the game started, we went to the park. They skated and scootered on concrete ramps and metal rails while I jogged in circles.
We returned midway through the second quarter after stopping at the store on the way home. I showered while my wife placed the final trimmings on a meal.
Before I could dress and come downstairs, my middle son was in the closet asking, “Did you forget? Are you coming to watch the game?”
I reassured him I didn’t forget and joined the family shortly thereafter.
We ate dinner while Kendrick Lamar performed during the halftime show. As All the Stars lined up for Kendrick and Sza to send messages about diversity to Trump’s seat in the stadium, we enjoyed our food and each other’s company.
At one point, my wife said, "Aren't we an American family? Watching the Super Bowl and eating?" I smirked.
In the third quarter, my daughter repeatedly talked about how "Majestic" the players on both teams looked. I cut a side eye at her pubescent observations while my wife laughed. The game continued, and I grabbed a notebook to jot down ideas for this post.
“Focus on your team strategy. Let’s get out of middle school,” my wife redirected my son as distractions prevented him from finishing a math assignment in the fourth quarter. The game was almost over, the Eagles had sealed their victory, and he needed to complete his homework.
Neither I nor my son had much stake in the game. He wanted the Eagles to win, and I hoped the Chiefs would pull off the historical three-peat. My father’s roots in Kansas City grounded the support of KC.
While “my team” didn’t win, I scored a victory and made memories with the only team that mattered. #family
It's Friday.
Perhaps this weekend is booked with activities. While the NFL is on pause, you have romantic dates and gestures planned to recognize Valentine's Day. It will not be easy to prioritize family time.
You may have little to no interest in doing what your children or spouse suggests, but being present is one of the best ways to show love. Your presence before, during, and after games or holidays is enough.
See today's post on the Good Men Project to understand how we can spread love from our families to the community in alignment with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s, Ethic of Love.
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