No Hat

As absolutely thrilled as I was to watch my beloved LSU Tigers win the National Championship, it was a bit bittersweet. For the first time, my Daddy was not here to watch it with me. I have no doubt that he was with me in spirit. I had his LSU sign propped up in front of my television along with an LSU Christmas ornament given to me by my sister with the words "All I want for Christmas is to win the Championship" printed on a small blackboard. 

Another thing that was strange was the fact that I was not immediately ordering Daddy an LSU Championship hat. The last hat I bought him was when LSU won the SEC in 2011 and I got him that hat. He was terminally ill that December and in the hospital. I took him his hat, and although, he never got to wear it, it was proudly displayed on a shelf on the little credenza in his hospital room. After Daddy passed away, I gave his other championship hats away. But, I still have that last one. I just could not part with it. 

I have people in my life who think watching football is silly. But, for me, college football is an enduring link to the Daddy I continue to miss terribly 8 years after his passing. When I cheer for the Tigers, I can almost hear my Daddy hollering at the TV for his beloved LSU. 

So, I will holler Geaux Tigers as long as I have the breath to do so. 

Thanks for the memories, Daddy.