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The End Zone


It was cold and foggy on the day of the club picnic. What better way to get warm than to play touch football.  That day, nearly 40 years ago, was the first time (and the only time ) I've ever played the game. We didn't even play it in girls PE in high school, which now when I look back, I wonder why. We had field hockey (loved those sticks), archery, swimming (my favorite), soccer (hated all that running), folk dancing, tumbling (aw, gee, again!), bowling, and an assortment of other sports, but no touch football. Not even flag football. Again, I wonder why since football was a big deal in my high school.

Anyway, I digress. In case, you've forgotten, or are confused, this tale of my rare athleticism happened when I was still a not-so-petite, petite young woman in college. Everyone had traveled an hour or so to a park south of the city. I have no idea anymore where it was, but I do remember the large meadow where we played touch football. Always willing to try almost anything once, I joined in the game. It couldn't be worse than being stuck way out in left field in a softball game.

This having taken place nearly 40 years ago, only one football play sticks in my memory. The one that counts. Our team was in a huddle, listening to our captain explain the play. Blah, blah, blah was what I heard until he said, "Sue, you run down to the goal line. If you're clear, I'll throw it to you. Then you run into the end zone."

Huh?

"Okay?" the captain said.

I probably gulped as I nodded. Why me? But, there was no time to ask for his rationale. If I were to guess, it would be the element of surprise. Who in his right mind would throw a football at one of the most out-of-shape persons there.

The goal line was far, far away to one—meaning me—who does not care to run. But, hustle I would to save face.  Once the play was in motion, I lumbered as fast as my fat legs could go. No one followed me. Ha!

Near the goal line, I caught my breath as I watched the action near the middle of the field. If anything, I was safe from being run over. I focused on the captain, who was searching for a receiver. He stopped, then threw the ball way up into the air, aimed directly at me. I followed the football across the sky, losing it at one point. I held my arms up as the ball came sailing down. Plop! The ball landed between my hands. I pulled it towards my body, turned, and quickly ran the few feet into the end zone.

Yup. I'm still amazed, nearly 40 years later.
I've been participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge this month. And, today is the last day. To check out other participants, click here.
Thank you for your visit and interest in reading The View from the Top of the Ladder. Please drop by again.

Comments

  1. Wow-You caught the ball and made the goal-Great for you! I am surprized at myself that I know what a football looks like-lol I played it in High School because we had to....not my cup of tea. Well we made it the last post:) Let's pat ourselves on the back for finishing:)

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    1. Yup. We did. Easy peasy now that it's over. :-)

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  2. Well, if that isn't the bee's knees! You just brought back memories of flag football as a teenager, and not being particularly coordinated at sports or savvy with the subtleties of different plays, I would've crapped my pants if put in your position. You rule--that is outstanding you pulled it off! Cheering my fool head off at you from the sidelines, woooo!!!!

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    1. Thank you, Rumer. :-) Now that I'm decades away from my teenage and young adult years, I realize that my uncoordination was just part of who I was young. I don' stumble as much. And, may it continue to be that way.

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  3. I haven't commented on your posts very much. But I've been following your blog since last years A to Z challenge. While I haven't commented, I have read all your posts in my email, since I follow your blog that way.
    I just wanted to say I really enjoyed all your posts and pictures this year!

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    1. Aimee Kay, I appreciate your note very much. As you can tell, I didn't write much between these blogging challenges. Somewhere along the line, I misplaced my writing mojo. Participating in the blogging challenge has given me that bit of zip to get going.

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  4. Replies
    1. You know after nearly 40 years, I'm finally celebrating the fact that I caught that ball! Whooo-hooo!

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  5. It's so fun to be able to say we made it! Congratulations :)

    http://bit2read.com/

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  6. You are much more athletic than me when it comes to sports like football. I hated all team sports in school, and just preferred walking, or riding my bike.

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    1. I had no concept of team vs individual sports. It probably was an advantage that I was clueless about stuff back then.

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  7. I like your football drawing.

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    1. Thanks. I have appreciated your encouragement through this challenge. :-)

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  8. Susie,

    What a great story. You made it sound so exciting! I've never played football of any description. I'm not much of a team sports person. I do better on my own.

    Susie, I have really enjoyed all your A - Z posts. I'm so glad I discovered your blog. It's been great chatting in the comments box over the past few weeks!

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    1. Thanks, Sue. Exciting, huh? Cool. I'm glad I found your blog, too. It's always a joy to find a kindred spirit.

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  9. that is so cool and have enjoyed your a-z post i appreciate you stopping by!!
    i never was into sports that much, my thing was gymnastics softball *i love it still*
    but for football no way! congrats on that catch and goal

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  10. You saved the best drawings until last, although I loved all of your drawings. Good catch. Do most females pretend to like football or do they really dig it? I hate it with a passion. There I said it aloud or on paper. Well, not paper, on screen.
    Finish..... another A-Z. This has been a tough one for me as I'm frantic to get the big garden cleared of the river rocks I had hauled in by the ton, over fifteen years ago. (It seems like a ton) I wanted to plant in there last summer but no way could I have taken the rocks out with all the moving and everything going on. Then I have to have good dirt hauled in. (by me, no doubt)
    I enjoyed all your stories and now you too, can go out and enjoy your garden. To our finish.... big high-five.

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    1. You noticed the growth in my drawings, you did, Manzi, you did. I drew that the night I posted this. It's still scary drawing. I wonder if I'll get over it.

      Wish I lived nearby, I would come over and help you move the rocks. The Mama has pretty much set up her vegetable garden. I've been thinking about building a box or two for veggies I'd like to grow. But, I don't know since we're in a drought.

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  11. Congrats on surviving the A to Z challenge.

    --
    Timothy S. Brannan
    The Other Side, April Blog Challenge: The A to Z of Witches

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  12. I enjoy these illustrated stories . . . I hope you choose to continue in some fashion . . .
    Thank You so Very Much!

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    1. I just might, Maggid. I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed drawing them, as well as how they turned out. I still get nervous when I draw, which is good, I suppose. It's like being nervous before you go on the stage. :-) Thank you!

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  13. Nice work. I am so sports-challenged myself :D

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  14. I know absolutely nothing about football, so I'm very impressed! I can't even understand what's going on while watching it, let alone play it!

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    1. Every now and then, the Husband and I go over to a friend's for his Super Bowl party. I get a lot of knitting done then. :-)

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  15. Brilliant!!! I am truly impressed . . I have never achieved anything like it - Yippeee!!! I want to run outside and cheer for you now . . .

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Thanks for the good cheer. :-)

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