Let's Go Bulldogs!!!!!

In an hour James and I will be on our way to Charles' first basketball game of the year. He plays for DeSales University, about just under two hours away. He's a senior already, my emotions are running high right now;this is the last year I will see my son play the sport he has given so much for; the sport he loves the best. My stomach has its traditional butterflies (it just gets this way when my boys are playing ball). I try to push the lump in my throat down, its hard. This kid has provided me with some of the highest moments in my life; excitement beyond belief. Watching these games is our social life as well; sitting with the other parents; cheering so loud our throats are sore and voices hoarse after. I have hugged Charles in celebration and consolation. Yes, I will do all of this again this, the last year.

Last year was a banner year for the Bulldogs. Charles and his teammates actually went to the NCAA elite eight in the tournament. It was the first time ever; no small feat. They broke all kinds of records in the school, and it was thrilling to say the least. When they won the championship division game, each boy got to cut down a piece of the net. Of course we were there, laughing, crying, hugging the parents, team, etc. And on they went to the NCAA tournament. Charles spent his 21st birthday in Ithaca, New York for an NCAA game (how fitting for this basketball son of mine). I was happy because I knew he was safe, and we got to go out to dinner with the team the night before his birthday to celebrate the win.

This year the Bulldogs are ranked pre-season at D3 #7; again, unbelievable. The team is not only made up of stellar athletes, but good friends, and nice boys as well. Their comraderie and friendship is apparent off the court; but more importantly, on the court. They have great chemistry, and are tons of fun to watch.

So now I will get ready to go to the game. When Charles was a little boy in grammar school, I used to watch him run up and down the court dribbling the basketball, this lefty son of mine, blonde bowl-cut hair flopping up and down as he ran, no one could stop him. This was one of the most beautiful sights in the world to me. Tonight I will watch my grown up baby boy, no more blonde bowl cut, big, strong, and healthy, run up and down the court. And you know what? It is still just so beautiful to me, it never gets old.

So go get 'em Bulldogs! Here's to a great season!