My friend Kay invited me to the Minnesota Gophers women's volleyball game tonight at the "barn" aka Williams Arena. I asked Kay whether Megan could go too, and she agreed. So Kay, Megan, Kay's Mom Marion, and I went out to the University of Minnesota campus to see the game. It was a gorgeous fall evening with a cool fall breeze but an unseasonably warm temperature. There was energy in the air as students and fans headed to the volleyball game in Williams or the women's hockey game next door. I loved the sound of the band playing outside and people chit chatting on their way in.
Minnesota played the Hoosiers of Indiana, and we all had a great time. Volleyball has changed so much since I played in high school. Instead of playing to 15 points; they now play to 30. And instead of having to serve the ball to get a point; a point is scored on every serve. The game moved so quickly, partly due to the new rules and largely due to the level of play. These girls can play!So, the whole night felt so special. It made me nostalgic to the times I played in high school and how much I loved the game itself and how I wanted to excel so badly at it. I didn't, but I still loved it so. It reminded me of the fun of college and cheering for men's basketball games in arenas a bit smaller than the one we were in. I wondered at what activities my sweet girl Megan will choose as she gets older and chooses her own activities. We saw teams of high school girls who'd come to watch the game, and I thought to myself how I hope Megan has an opportunity to be part of a team and has opportunities to dream big!
Of course, the greatest part of the whole night was being there with some fine ladies and my sweet girl. She loved waving the Minnesota flag Kay got her and keeping an eye out for Goldy (the Gopher mascot) and his latest antics. She yelled "Point U!" when the Gophers scored and held me tight as we stood for the national anthem. It was great!How precious it is that no matter where I've been in the past and where I'll be in the future, right now I'm somewhere in the middle and right where I want to be, experiencing the most amazing blessing of being a mom.
