Remind me why we do this

Last night was Friday night. In the south, at this time of the year, that means High School football. There are other parts of the country that put just as much importance on this sport as southerners do and I wonder if parents in those other locations feel the way I do. I can understand the importance of playing other teams that are of similar size and skill level. However, I do not understand the logic behind traveling 3 hours to play such a game. That was the situation last night. The game was a 3 hour drive. Consequently, we did not arrive back at the school after the game until 1:30 A.M. By the time we got home it was almost 2:00 A.M. I am ever so thankful that I had taken today off.

As to playing teams of similar skill levels, just because a team may be of comparable size, it does not mean that the skill levels of the teams will be equal. Last nights game was very one sided. Our boys ran over the other team. The final was 47-6. Of course it did allow our second string to get in a good amount of playing time.

On the bus ride home many of the band kids napped. I myself was so exhausted that I cat napped, with my head propped on my arms against the seat in front of me. It was not very restful, but I was so tired that I simply could not fight it. I don't think my bed ever felt better. It makes me wonder why we put ourselves (and our kids) thru this time and time again. I suppose in years to come I may look back on instances like this one as fond memories, but I somehow doubt it. I think it will more likely be placed in the category of doing what had to be done. Jacqueline is really pinning her hopes on some kind of musical scholarship in order to attend college, so if enduring 3 hour bus rides gets her a college scholarship then I'm sure it will be worth it.