in the fall, we call it football season

Last Sunday was a great day. The NFL is back! Even though it was really nice weather, we equate Sundays with football in this house! The Bears pulled a win and we root for anyone playing against the Packers. I even stayed up to watch the entire Cowboys game and even though they lost, there was still a smile on my face knowing that my normal routine is safely back in action. 

On my Facebook memories this morning were pictures of a homecoming parade from years back and I just realized that I haven't seen or heard any local football. I see the local high schoolers practicing after school. They were out on the field a lot this summer. I just never forwarded that thought to a season. And then it occurred to me that it's Homecoming season...

These poor kids lost prom and graduation and now, apparently, Homecoming. Homecoming is the time honored tradition of rivalries and loyalties, dancing and camaraderie. As sad as I am that I lost a trip or birthday plans, I am sad more and more for our kids. I can rebook a trip or postpone a party, but you can't relive high school (and I would NEVER want to do that!). I hope that every kid is happy in their educational journey right now. I hope the schools and communities rally together and find alternatives to the traditions. When I was in high school, we painted the windows of all the local shops downtown. That won't happen this year. 

I don't know what I can do. I will think on it. I know a lot of great people who have big ideas. I do know that if we don't rally together as a community, as a whole, as a world, we are going to lose a lot more than Homecoming fun. Stay strong everyone! Stay smiling! Stay on your couch Sundays and do what we have been doing for a long time (especially if you're a Bears or a Cowboys fan), have faith in something!