Loss

The game was going well, not spectacular on either side, and the score was close. They were ahead, and it seemed that we could maybe catch them if we got a couple of good breaks. This is what every sports fan believes, prays silently for, mutters quietly under their breath. If I only believed hard enough I could will this to happen.

We score again, and are up 20-16 with just 24 seconds left. It looks promising, but 24 seconds in football can be a long time. Long enough for the other guys to punch one in if you lose your focus for a second or two.

The kick-off is good, their field position is not great and we look like we might pull this one out. There is one incomplete pass, a few seconds tick off the clock. Another incomplete pass, more seconds gone. The offense is in disarray, they spike the ball to stop the clock. Three seconds left, 4th down, and the QB throws one deep, a true "Hail Mary" as silent prayers go up all over the stadium. "Don't let him catch it." "Don't let him catch it." Skill and speed win out over prayer...he catches it in the end zone. The clock runs out. Disbelief. They win 22-20. The crown is stunned, quiet. Heads shake. How did this happen?

Loss breaks your heart, makes you cry angry tears. But then it mellows, giving way to hope.

Hope for next week, the next game, the next season...for the possibilities yet to come. Hope makes you put your uniform back on and get back in the game. Hope believes that next time things will be different.