This is magical for me at this point. When you’re a Stage 4 cancer survivor almost three years into the journey…you quite frankly can’t ever look too far ahead or by the same token you shouldn’t take too many looks behind either.
There’s this spiritual space of which I call–‘Living every day to the fullest with your faith and see where that takes you.’
And for me…that’s what this OU season has turned out to be. Living each game one week at a time and never surrendering. Never quitting. Never giving up even though most around you in your own state proclaimed you dead at 6-2 after the Ole Miss loss.
Because as a Stage 4 human you don’t have that luxury. Quite frankly, for me there’s no guarantee there will be a next college football season. But don’t get me wrong…I don’t think this is a bad thing. It makes you keep things in perspective and enjoy this journey and this experience to the absolute fullest with total appreciation.
LIVE EVERY DAY TO THE FULLEST. NO EXCUSES. NO REGRETS.
To me…this is a pick ’em game. Both quarterbacks come into this game with some rough play their past several games. One will emerge with his team to go to the Rose Bowl to play the No. 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers. The other team’s season will be over. Quite frankly…I think OU is better equipped to beat Indiana than Alabama because of their pass rush and kicking game.
Tate Sandell won the Lou Groza Award by the way and is a threat from 68 yards in depending on the wind conditions. The kid is an abosolute mule wearing short pants. And Santegna is red-coal hot as a punt returner and big play wide reciever. Just saying.
But to get to that game…OU has to beat Alabama for the second time in a month which will not be easy.
MY first OU game in person was in 1965 with my Dad who took me to see my first Bedlam Game in person. Today, sixty years later, I’ll be in the stadium with my son to see if OU can continue their improbable, almost magical run to stay alive and live for another game.
I feel like that kid in ’65 this morning. I’m just grateful I have this opportunity to see this game in person and experience this day with my son. But I’m clearly thinking of my Dad right now as well. I’ve been the bridge between three generations. That’s kind of cool.
Well, yeah, I’d very much like OU to win this game, but there are other emotions running through me right now as well. The primary one being…gratitude and joy that like the Sooners I’m still alive and doing pretty well.
Good luck to both teams.
Joe C…thank you for everything.
Mike J