A few months back, I received an unexpected call from my younger brother, and it brought a surprising revelation to light. It turns out, I had scheduled my youngest daughter’s wedding on the same day as one of the biggest football matchups in history: LSU versus Alabama. This oversight has thrown a wrench into the plans of the 300 guests who now face a difficult choice between celebrating our family or cheering for their beloved Tigers.
As we prepare for a grand celebration in New Orleans, starting with a beautiful ceremony at The Cathedral in Jackson Square, followed by a lively Second Line parade to a reception overlooking the Mississippi River, I can’t help but reflect on the magnitude of my faux pas. The wedding will feature everything from open bars and local cuisine to live jazz bands and hand-rolled cigars, yet there will be no television broadcasting the game.
Unbeknownst to me, while I was blissfully planning the wedding, the stakes in college football had been rising. My late husband, who had been a lifelong LSU fanatic, would have certainly been invested in this season’s drama—especially since LSU is currently ranked second and Alabama first. This is the kind of matchup that ignites dreams and passions among football fans in the South.
A dear friend tried to explain the significance of my scheduling mishap, saying, “You just don’t understand how deeply rooted football is in Louisiana culture!” But let me tell you, I knew it well. I met my husband at 17, and we bonded over our love for LSU football. It was woven into the fabric of our lives.
One unforgettable moment occurred in 2007, during the LSU vs. Arkansas game. The men stayed home to watch, while the women took the kids Christmas shopping. My husband was glued to the couch, consumed by the game, and when LSU lost in triple overtime, the atmosphere in our car was thick with tension. His despair was palpable, and he lamented to our sons that they had “nothing left to live for.” I snapped, reminding him that our children had bright futures ahead of them, despite the loss. Little did we know, shortly after, LSU would turn the season around and head to the National Championship, a testament to resilience and hope.
This year, on November 9th, my sons will take on a special role as they walk their sister down the aisle, honoring their father’s legacy while missing the anticipated “Game of the Century.” They will do this not only to celebrate their sister but also to remember the man who instilled in them the values of family and passion. In a way, their father will still be with us, guiding them as they navigate this meaningful day.
As I reflect on these memories, I realize that my late husband’s spirit will be present in more ways than one. For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, a great resource is the CDC’s pregnancy website. For more insights, you can also visit one of our other blog posts here.
In summary, while my daughter’s wedding may coincide with a significant football game, the love and spirit of my late husband will shine through, as his legacy continues to shape our lives.
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