By: Sarah Thompson
A few months ago, I received an unexpected call from my younger brother, who jokingly pointed out a scheduling mishap I had made. I had chosen the date for my youngest daughter’s wedding without realizing it coincided with the legendary football rivalry: LSU vs. Alabama. Now, I had inadvertently thrown my 300 wedding guests into a dilemma — choosing between celebrating love and supporting their beloved team.
As we prepare for a grand New Orleans celebration, starting with a lovely ceremony at the Cathedral in Jackson Square and culminating with a lively Second Line parade to a reception overlooking the Mississippi River, the one thing we won’t have is a TV broadcasting the game. I was blissfully unaware of the brewing storm surrounding that date, as I focused on planning my daughter’s special day, not realizing that LSU’s football fortunes had dramatically improved since my husband passed away.
As fate would have it, Alabama is currently ranked number one, with LSU hot on their heels at number two. It’s a matchup that has ESPN dubbing it “the game of the century.” While I’ve dreamed of this wedding since the day I first saw my daughter’s sonogram, I never expected my late husband’s spirit to loom so large over the festivities.
A dear friend tried to help me understand the gravity of my scheduling faux pas by saying, “You don’t know how deeply people in Louisiana feel about their football!” Oh, I know. I met my husband at 17, married him at 21, and our lives were steeped in LSU football culture. It was practically a rite of passage.
A Cherished Family Story
Let me share a cherished family story that speaks to my husband’s character. It was November 23, 2007. The men stayed home, glued to the TV for the traditional LSU vs. Arkansas game. The stakes were high, and the women took the kids out shopping. As the game entered triple overtime, we arrived home, and the tension was palpable. My husband and his friends were on edge, and when LSU lost, the atmosphere was somber.
As we drove through the dark, swampy roads, my husband lamented, “Well boys, we now have absolutely nothing left to live for.” That’s when I snapped. I reminded him that our sons had their whole lives ahead of them, filled with possibilities. Surprisingly, shortly after that, LSU made a miraculous comeback, eventually making it to the National Championship, and my boys learned that hope and joy could triumph in the face of despair.
Now, as my sons prepare to escort their sister down the aisle on that fateful day, they will honor their father’s legacy, even if it means missing the much-anticipated game. It’s a testament to the man who shaped them into who they are today. They understand what truly matters, and they carry that spirit with them.
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In summary, while the wedding and the football game may clash, the love and memories of my husband will always remain intertwined with our family’s journey. His passion for football and devotion to his family will forever be part of our lives.