I get a little emotional when my Tennessee Volunteers run through the T for the first time each season.
Last year, taking in the opening game at Nissan Stadium, I was two days removed from seeing my daughter’s heartbeat on an ultrasound for the first time. I got misty-eyed seeing her little heart winking on the monitor and as the Vols ran through the T, I was overwhelmed with joy that not only was it finally football time in Tennessee again but that I’d share it next year with our first-born child.
A year later, I can’t wait until kick-off this evening to share one of my favorite things in the world with one of my favorite people in the world. Shortcake and I will be dressed in our orange and white tonight, cheering on Daddy’s beloved Vols as they begin the 2016 campaign.
And yes, it may suddenly get a little dusty sitting in my recliner with Shortcake on my lap, teaching her to say “Touchdown Tennessee!” and to question the referee’s judgement and/or eyesight any time a call goes against the Volunteers. I may not jump up and down as much or be quite as vocal as I have been in previous seasons (that cats are grateful for this) but that’s OK. It’s going to be a great season.
Oh and I fully expect Shortcake’s Uncle Butch to not allow her to grow up in a world with losing streaks to Florida and Alabama in place.
Confessions of a First-Time Dad 