Feb 15 2012
Giant Birthday Present
I must admit I am occasionally an obnoxious sports fan. I have known this since high school when at times my behavior crossed the line. My first indication of having gone too far was when I showed up with my face painted to cheer on my high school basketball team at an area tournament. During the tournament, I ran into my boyfriend (a quiet, reserved eagle scout) who attended another school. I sat next to him yelling and cheering loudly, thinking nothing of my behavior. Throughout the game, he slid further and further away from me.
He broke up with me, soon after.
I ring cowbells at Cross Country Meets and Field Hockey Games, give motivational speeches to players I do not know, and criticize the refs.
My favorite sport to watch is American Football and I have been a fan of the Chicago Bears since I was a young girl. I keep a close watch online to check up on the team and have satellite t.v. so I can watch the games. I wear a jersey on game days and since they are the Bears, I can often be found with a rally cap on my head.
I love my husband dearly, but unfortunately he is a Cowboys fan. He recruited Josiah to his side, and I recruited Abby to mine. I informed Gabe when he was young that he had to break the Manry family tie. Gabe, being Gabe, went his own way and having been born in NY declared himself a Giants fan.
Gabe has all the makings of becoming an obnoxious sports fan like his mother. He sets up Giants paraphernalia in the living room to watch the games, cheers loudly and criticizes the refs.
Sunday, a week and a half ago, was a big day. It was both Gabe’s birthday and Super Bowl Sunday: Giants vs. Patriots. Gabe opened one of his presents at breakfast. It was a Giants jersey with Mario Manningham’s name on the back. Gabe wore the jersey to church.
Gabe has been a faithful fan of Manningham even as the other Giant’s receivers have drawn more accolades and fans. On Sunday, Gabe’s jersey had a bit of luck to it as Manningham made a terrific catch during the scoring drive that put the Giants ahead to win the game. Gabe cheered and yelled and had a very happy birthday.
The next day, Gabe asked me if he could wear his jersey to school. Gabe attends a school where the students must wear a uniform. I told him to wear it over his uniform, but if the principal told him he had to take off the jersey, he needed to obey. Gabe was allowed to wear the jersey for half a day. His principal would allow only a half day of gloating . I’m surprised she allowed even that. She is a Redskins fan after all.
The Friday following his birthday, Gabe and his buddies went to see Star Wars 3D for Gabe’s party. Much to Gabe’s delight, his best friend gave him the perfect gift. Gabe brought it to school and hung it in his locker.
I am awaiting the call from the principal.
Can your friend get me a sign too?