My husband is a man of loyalty. Being his wife, of course I deem this as a very good quality to have. This guy, though, truly defines the words "through thick and thin." When he finds something he likes or loves, he sticks with it. This includes American-made cars, Levi's jeans, and Heinz ketchup.
I have always known that Shawn was a loyal Jayhawks fan (one of the many reasons I married him-haha). However, after this weekend, I really saw how much the Hawks meant to him, and I learned another lesson about marriage/love along the way (you truly never stop learning-even after two years:)).
On Saturday, Shawn and I headed out to the football game. Shawn has been going to the games all year, and he happened to score some free tickets to this game, so I agreed to go with him. Of course, I was a little reluctant due to the weather forecast, but decided to forgo the thought since I promised Shawn I would go. It also has been a crazy stressful time at work, so I was all for spending time with my husband-even if it meant getting rained on a bit. So, I went along with Shawn when we went to Wally World to get ponchos (they had Jayhawks on them-perfect). When we arrived at the stadium, it was cloudy, but looked okay. However, as we approached the stadium, thunder started to roll.
We found our seats, and soon the game was underway. With about 1 minute until the end of the 1st quarter, it started to pour. And thunder. And then there was lightning. Soon the announcer came on saying that the fans need to take shelter. So, we shuffled down to the concession stand area, along with everyone else. Of course, at this point, about 2/3 of the people left. I have to be honest, I wanted to go with them. The idea of standing there, waiting out the impending storm that was supposed to last all night was not really my idea of how I wanted to spend my Saturday.
But then I looked at my husband. I saw a guy who, despite the rain and craziness, really wanted to be there. I saw a man, who, despite being upset, refused to make me hold the wet towels and jackets that were no doubt making him more wet. I saw a guy who wasn't going to let a little rain take away from a few hours of something that meant something to him and was a part of his history, his family and his life.
And so it was then that I decided that it was time to make the best of things. Shawn and I went down and hit up the concession stand while we waited. Then, when the rain cleared, we joined the other 10 fans who had waited it out in the stadium, and sat there and enjoyed our soda, nachos and hot dog. We then cheered on the Jayhawks as they struggled, got more behind, and came back in the last quarter, only to lose by one touchdown.
Two years ago I would have been pissed. Two years ago I would not have even gone. Two years ago, I still would have required nachos to get me through:), but I know that I don't think I had the love in my heart to stick something out with someone, just because they love it. And truly, with all of the Lifetime Movies, crying/emotional episodes and dinner/dessert-gone-wrong that this man has choked down, the least I could do was stand in the rain with him, as he stands for something he really believes in and loves.
Lately, I have felt more stressed out by work then I ever have. But when this happens, I have found that the best thing to do is refocus, and spend time with those you love the most.
Which is why we took some time today to be together and go take pictures and something we love, along with the Jayhawks- fall colors:)
Happy Fall Everyone!!! Spend it with those you love:)
