The picture above was taken in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. It is the home stadium of the Indianapolis Colts Football team (American football).
I had been to this stadium on a couple occasions in years past to watch the Colts football team play. But the night this pic was taken was to watch another team in blue from across the pond.
You see, we got the treat of having the Chelsea Football Club do a tour of the states and they came to Indianapolis as part of that tour. On this night, they played an exibition game against, well, I don;t even remember who the other team was. LOL
All I know is that my oldest son was super excited to see his favorite team and player (John Terry) on the pitch in person. By this time, my oldest was in his last year of high school and getting himself ready for his next step in life.
Before that step though, we were going to have a little fun. He was able to find some tickets for sale and way we went on the 2.5 hour drive to Indinanapolis. Along the way we conversed and talked about soccer most of the time with a sprinkle of the occasional world or domestic news.
In between all the talk though, I would on occasion find myself staring out the window wondering how time had flown by so quickly. It seemed like this young man sitting next to me driving was wearing diapers just days before.
It seemed like all the soccer games from the time he was in the 3rd grade were fleeting memories. All the school events and shows just dots on a map. I could barely grasp onto them, few as they were.
Many of his younger years had been missed due to my military service. I can imagine his disappointment at a game or school presentation when he turned around only only saw his mother. It hurts me, but I move forward.
All I know is that we made it to Indianapolis, and watched, as I recall. Chelsea annihilate the other team. It was such a good time sitting back and listening to my son explain the tactics and possible strategies being played out on the field. Of which he stated were not much because it as an exhibition.
Anyway, he would talk about each player, their strengths and weaknesses and how they fit into the overall team strategy. It was really cool.
I think it was then that I knew he got it. He understood basic leadership. He was going to be okay in life. He wouldn't be a follower.
So far, he is now 29 and he has proven me right. He took charge of his life, is married, and making his way. I couldn't be more proud.
Yeah, football memories...I got more.
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Notes:
-All content is mine unless otherwise annotated.
-Images are my own unless otherwise noted.
-Photos edited using MS Paint.
-Page Dividers from The Terminal Discord.
