Today I decided to think of a “best day,” any random day that I’d say is one of the best in my memory. Oddly, the first one that came to mind was the Alabama-Notre Dame football game in 1986. I really am not a football fanatic–trust me, I know football fanatics; I come from a family of them. But that day had all the elements to make it fun.
We drove to Legion Field in Birmingham for the game. I SWEAR I’ve told this story on my blog before, but damn if I can find it. On that hour drive, cars full of fans would pass each other and blow horns, wave, and yell. Red and white shakers rippled from windows and car antennas. White shoe polish on back windows urged, “Roll Tide!” and “Go Bama!” and “Beat the Irish!” and my very favorite, the answer to Notre Dame’s “luck of the Irish”: “FUCK LUCK!”
This is one of my very favorite photos I’ve ever taken, and it’s from that day: Tom with my roommates, sisters Rebecca and Rhonda G.
Dig Rhonda’s and Tom’s aviator shades.
I loved Notre Dame, and my heart jumped when their players ran onto the field with those gold helmets. They had beaten us in four previous match-ups, and the following year they’d beat the stuffing out of us again. But on that game day, I got to see the boys in the crimson jerseys prevail, as Bama beat the Irish 28-10.
A sweet victory for Tom and me to watch from the student section.
That was definitely a great day, but I’ve never thought of it as on the list. Of course your memory is better than mine.
It’s a day that represents many more like it–doing something fun with good friends. It’s those gold helmets that make this one stand out from the others.
Lovely photograph.
Thanks.
I was at that game – a very hot October day!
How did I not see you?!? 😉
I couldn’t remember the weather at all and was wondering if it was hot or cool. Now I know!