The Streak-Busting Onesie

Mason,

Last month, I introduced you to the joys and sorrows of being a Tennessee sports fan. Sad to say, we've had quite a bit of the latter and not so much of the former since then.

I also told you about the gameday uniform your Grandmom and Grandad brought with them when they visited from Tennessee. You've worn it faithfully for a few of the games, but you were not dressed in it last week when the Vols squeaked past the Commodores.

So today seemed like a great opportunity to get the onesie its first win. Tennessee played Kentucky. The last time Kentucky beat Tennessee in football, I was eight years old and Ronald Reagan had just won 49 states.

Hmmm. Well, on the bright side, you'll have outgrown the onesie by September, and we can try something else. And in the meantime, here's to hoping you're writing messages to your own child the next time Kentucky beats Tennessee.

Love,
Daddy

Another Tortured Fan is Born

Mason,

There's something daddy needs to tell you. I grew up a fan of the University of Tennessee's sports teams, particularly basketball and football. I also attended the University of Tennessee, but that's less important for this story. I've been a Tennessee fan all my life. It really isn't my fault. I was born into it and your Grandmom and Granddad never gave me much choice.

Unfortunately, so were you and you don't have much choice, either. Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't have it any other way, and I trust you will feel the same in time. I've shared many wonderful moments with your grandparents, other family, and friends celebrating the glorious triumphs of the Volunteers. (By the way, that's our nickname, though we also have a blue tick coon hound named Smokey as a mascot. It's a little confusing, but I'll explain it all another time.)

In football, there was Vols 34 Gators 32. There was the night the Great Pumpkin hoisted the Crystal Ball. When I was a little closer to your age, there was a beautiful New Year's Day in the Cotton Bowl, the Battle of New Orleans and the day the Streak finally ended. The list for basketball is a little shorter. We're still waiting for our One Shining Moment, but 76-73 was fun. And when you're old enough to understand, I'll tell you about Pat Summitt.

But there's another side to the experience to which you are already becoming accustomed. Put it this way. My earliest memory of Neyland Stadium was a game against Georgia in 1980 where this happened. And there's plenty more where that came from.

This is particularly relevant now. As you know, your Grandmom and Grandad visited last week, and brought with them your first official game day uniform. So today you suited up for the first time to cheer on our Volunteers against mighty LSU. I'm proud to say you gave your all for Tennessee. The bad news? The good guys lost 38-7. Your response was appropriate. I'm sad to say this probably isn't the last time being a Tennessee fan makes you cry.

The good news? You slept through most of it and won't remember a thing. This runs your career record as a fan to 1-3. Obviously, this won't do. But with a little focus and determination, you can turn it around. Lord willing, you have plenty of time.

There's much more to say on this topic, but I'll save it for another day. I don't want to overwhelm you all at once. In the meantime, Go Vols! And, son, get used to this.

Love,
Daddy