So ever since Riley was born, I was counting the days until he could experience his first Eagles game. The highs, the lows - usually more lows than highs. My cousin Kyle even bought him a Donovan McNabb jersey to wear. The thought of he and I sitting in front of the TV (I know babies are not supposed to watch TV but this was educational and cultural and could be chalked up to family bonding) with our McNabb jerseys got me so excited. I felt like it was MY first Eagles game again.
So two Sundays ago, we got up and drove back to PA after a great weekend at our house on the Chesapeake Bay. We had just enough time to stop home and get our jersey and then head over to Granmom and Pop's (my parents') house to watch the Eagles kick off their season against the Green Bay Packers. I mean, if you are going to experience your first Eagles game, you might as well see in High Def, right? Uncle Tracy and aunt Jenna joined the fun to make the first game a true family experience.
So as the ball was kicked to start the Eagles regular season, Riley sat on my lap, transfixed by the beauty and wonder that is an Eagles game (or maybe it was just the bright colors). And the team, to their credit did not disappoint. Four of their first six plays involved penalties. One that didn't was a missed punt that the Packers jumped on in the end zone for a touchdown. Another was an interception by the Packers leading to a field goal. Five minutes into the game and the Eagles were down 10-0. Welcome to your first Eagles game, bud. After watching only a few minutes of the game and his dad, Riley officially became an Eagles fan. He was yelling and screaming and demanding that McNabb be traded and Andy Reid, the coach, be fired. That moment was captured in the picture below.
After several painful minutes, Riley lost interest and spent his time playing, drooling and watching his dad grow angrier and angrier.
In the end, the Eagles didn't disappoint. Two dropped punts led to enough points to lose the first game. So now that Riley has the sweet taste of underachievement, disappointment and pessimism towards a 16 week season, he is ready to be a true Eagles fan. And his daddy couldn't be any prouder,
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6 comments:
Great post and pictures Delp! I love to see you're raising him the right way (mostly - If only those jerseys were blue and white and had horseshoes). Are you sure you want him to go through what you go through every year for the rest of his life? ...of course you do. The payoff will be even greater!
Riley - I'll wager a Bears jersey vs. an Eagles jersey that the Bears have a better record from here on out.
Wyatt, I already have an Eagles jersey and so does my daddy (thanks to your daddy and his unwise bets) so I don't think that would be a good idea. Though I would like to meet you. I hear you play golf. I play a little bit myself. Once I can stand and not drool on my clubs, I will be like Tiger Woods.
We love boys in jerseys...
Riley, you already are wise enough not to believe in the Eagles. I understand.
Ladies, your the best...
Wyatt, I am also wise enough to know that you are too old to believe in the Cubs. At least the Eagles tease us enough to make the playoffs on a regular basis.
Ladies, if you like a fella with rolls on his ankles, wrists and forearms then I'm your man. Also, I know how to spell. YOU'RE the best.
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