Coming off of our win at home against the NY Giants, my favorite player, Marshawn Lynch rushed for a record breaking day, making 4 touchdowns, and helping to create a Seahawks franchise record of 350 rushing yards. In celebration, I have been wearing my number 24 jersey ever since. I wanted to see how long it would take for someone to notice. I wanted to connect with someone who understood. I wanted to hear someone here in my home town acknowledge our local hero.
I knew it was a tall order, but I was hopeful. I've stated this before and I'll say it again. I live in enemy territory. I have exactly 3 other friends/fans, and that includes my husband, who will actually watch along with me. It doesn't make it easy, and I really don't feel comfortable in the jersey, but I was too proud not to. I mean, Marshawn broke records last Sunday, and I wanted to represent.
The ironic thing to me is that this all happened in game that wasn't even aired here in my hometown, nor his - a short BART ride away from me (and coincidentally the city where I was born). But I WAS there in spirit, after recently downloading the KIRO App onto my cell phone. I listened to the first half at home as I tidied up my bedroom. When the Hawks went to the locker room after the first half, I ventured out of my room. I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to get over myself and find that game on television somewhere.
After an unfortunate experience at a local sports bar during the last game that was not broadcast in my home, and not wishing to return there, I had scouted out two places that might be good to watch the game should this happen again. One was at a nearby golf course and the other was at our gym. I opted to try the gym, because it was only a short bike ride away. I figured, if it wasn't there, I would at least get in a workout. Worst case scenario: I could still listen. So off I went, and it was SO worth it. I got to see our team take OVER in the second half, when out came the Beast Mode in all of his glory.
I wished I was wearing my number 24 jersey, as something began to bud inside of me that made me feel brave. Brave like Marshawn. And then the jersey grew into something more to me. It meant being brave, like him. So as I proudly wore my jersey on my morning walk yesterday, I practically willed someone to talk to me about our triumph, and I felt brave to stand my ground. Then it happened. I watched as a lone jogger came running towards me, and for the very first time ever, pointed to my jersey and said with a smile, "Go Hawks." I literally brimmed with tears of joy.
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