Family Traditions Can Start Unexpectedly
Written by Sharyl Stockstill
Some of my favorite early memories are sitting with my dad and watching the Dallas Cowboys play football every year. It did not matter too much if it was a winning or losing season, though the winning seasons were a bit more fun. Dad would sit in his green recliner and, as a very young girl; I would curl up with him and watch the game. We would cheer for touchdowns, moan the fumbles, and watch the weekend warriors battle it out in our living room.
I was ten when mom and dad divorced, but fall Sundays were still the best. I would go to his house and enjoy the game with him. More importantly, we had a standing date to watch the Superbowl together and it did not matter who was playing. We would cheer the touchdowns and moan the fumbles for both teams. If the Cowboys were in, we would cheer all the louder for them.
Dad passed away in October when I was 16. I could not watch the Bowl that year. It was just too painful. It was also the only Superbowl I missed in my life. After the first year, I would watch the Superbowl in a quiet tribute and remember how much Dad enjoyed the game.
Time eases all pain and, as my own children were born, I passed my January tradition on to my children. One thing that hurt the most was the thought my dad would never get to see his grandchildren and they would never meet the person from my past that meant the most to me. I finally realize that they could get to know my Dad, even though seeing him was impossible. When they were very young, the kids and I would curl up on the couch to watch football games whenever we could. During the commercials and half time, I would sometimes tell them stories about my dad. In this way, they learned a bit about him and their own family history. The kids never tired of hearing how Dad and I watched the games together to cheer for the Cowboys.
Looking back, I would have to say my dad brainwashed me into loving the Dallas Cowboys and I love him all the more for it. I did the same for my children. You would see us all yelling “Go Cowboys!” during the games even when a baby was too young to understand. It would not be long before the baby was clapping and cheering with the rest of the family. There is something special about watching a very young child waving his arms and dancing with joy. The eyes would sparkle and laughter filled the house anytime someone yelled “Touchdown!” Even during the off season, “Touchdown” cries celebrating some small event would echo and the family would explode in celebration. Those poor kids never had a chance to be fans of anyone else.
Superbowl time was by far the best. You would find us all there, enjoying every moment with each other. It was more than a game to us. It was a special time when we would all be together. No one was scrambling to buy the perfect Christmas present or make the perfect meal. We would throw some steaks in the broiler; have a few simple side dishes, popcorn, of course, and maybe a batch of homemade cookies for that sweet tooth attack. We rarely invited special guests to join us. It was a time for just the family to enjoying being a family.
Time continued to march on and my family began to scatter. Brian, the oldest is now 21 and in the Army. I was pleased to learn the Army provides special telecasts of the Superbowl for the military personnel worldwide and to know he was watching as we were watching brought special warmth to me. It was comforting to know that even if he could not be home for the last few years, somewhere in the world, he was also watching the Superbowl. He would call during the fourth quarter and we would visit a few minutes. With him halfway around the world, he was still a part of our special tradition.
Jeni has just turned 18 and is heading off to college. David is living with his dad in Albuquerque. The family dynamics have changed dramatically through the years, including my divorce and now a new step-family has entered the picture. Yet this simple tradition keeps my kids and I close and will provide warm memories for each of us any time of the year. My new husband and his family have brought their own traditions to our little group and we share our love of the Superbowl with them.
This year will be very special to all of us. Brian will be home from Germany just in time to watch the big game with us. On Superbowl Sunday, no matter who is playing, you will find us all curled up on the couch, and I am sure my dad’s spirit is there with us as well, checking up on this next generation, while we are cheering the touchdowns, moaning the fumbles, and being together as a family.
Content provided by Associated Content
