Duck Tales

Last Saturday my sweetheart had a special date. But not with me! He took our oldest grandchild - Miss A. - to the Oregon Ducks football game in Eugene. It was a special day they will never forget. My sweetheart (Papa) and ten-year-old Miss A. together, doing something they loved. He bought tickets for the game from a coworker who was not able to attend the game as planned. At first we thought I would travel with him and attend the game but on Friday it was necessary to change plans. Our daughter, Mrs. M., recently told me that Miss A. has become a real Oregon Duck fan. When I realized I would not be going to the game I told my sweetheart that Miss A. would really love to go with him. He called to invite her and a few minutes later there were two very excited people. One grandpa who could hardly wait to spend the day doing something special with someone dear to his heart. And one ecstatic young lady who was jumping and dancing all around her house!

We have two major colleges in our state. The University of Oregon in Eugene and Oregon State University in Corvallis. They are rivals in sports and loyalty among Oregonians is divided between the two. The Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers are often the topic of heated discussions around our state. Miss A.'s teacher this year is an alumnus of The University of Oregon and, apparently, has decorated the classroom with Oregon Duck decorations and memorabilia. Miss A. could hardly believe her ears when her Papa called to ask if she would like to go to the game with him. Later she told her mother that she was so excited she could hardly keep from screaming! And her Papa was nearly as bad! He and I made a quick trip to a nearby store to choose a new Duck shirt for Papa and one for Miss A. And Duck hats. And 'clapping hands' that made a lot of noise and lit up! The Ducks and Beavers clothing was on sale. Twenty five percent off! And we had to have snacks and treats for the trip. Shortly after he arrived at Miss A's house the next morning he surprised her with her new shirt and hat. It didn't take long before they posed for a picture.

They hadn't been on the freeway heading south very long before they began to see one car after another heading to the game. Some cars made sure everyone knew where they were going and what team they were supporting. Miss A. was in charge of the camera while Papa drove.Nearly two hours later they arrived, parked the car and walked toward the entrance to Autzen Stadium. The home of the Ducks!They found their seats in time to watch the pregame activity on the field below.Their seats were near the end zone where they could see some of the touchdowns up close. Unfortunately, they saw more touchdowns for Boise State than for Oregon.Sometime during the game my sweetheart suggested that the two of them pose for a photo. He took this picture. It is my favorite. I love the look on each of their faces.Two people who love each other dearly and who love to be together. It seems like just yesterday that this dear Papa stood in a hospital room and held his firstborn grandchild - a granddaughter, Miss A. - in his arms. He smiled with such pride then. And he still smiles with great pride when she is near. Now she has plans to enter a drawing to win tickets for two to the big 'Civil War' game in November. The game between Oregon and Oregon State. The Ducks and the Beavers. If she wins, she plans to take her Papa. No one else. Just Papa and Miss A.!