VOLS vs. Bulldogs...

Today is college football Saturday. Those of you who knew Ken, knew he bled orange. I am a BIG 10 fan -- Go SPARTANS -- but nothing compared to his love for University of Tennessee. We went to a couple games in Knoxville the first year we met and it was a blast. Knoxville is a college town build on forty-five degree hills (ask Tyler) along the river. The energy on game day is infectious and the weather is usually picture perfect.

We held season tickets in the most awesome (cushioned) seats -- about 11 rows up, just high enough to be over the UT players' heads at about the 45th yard line. In all the years we were together, something or another kept us from traveling to the games. The second year we were together, we were living in Florida and Vegas and just couldn't swing another trip. The year after that we were separated, then we were saving for the wedding and took a couple other smaller trips, and then the following fall we had the wedding, the honeymoon, and so on. Fortunately, UT was in the Outback bowl a couple of times, so we did get to see them in Tampa, one time with Mom and Dad, so it was extra special. But, I will always regret having those awesome tickets and not finding a way to go to at least one game per season. Especially the way he loved it. I now know to put emphasis on doing what matters -- If something is important to you, find a way to do it.

Today, we were supposed to be at the game. One of the hardest chores upon his death was canceling the hotel and the flights and returning the tickets. Instead, I will watch the game on TV at 3:30, and honor Ken's memory by being happy that he's at every game now. I know he's on the sidelines, coaching and cheering on his players. Win or lose, he is proud.  Instead of focusing on my sadness, today I choose to focus on the good memories of Ken and his team, of the few games we did attend, and Barney will wear the required UT collar to help them win! GO VOLS!