And so, it has begun—football season. It’s that special time of year when the weather cools, fleeces are donned, and tens of thousand Aggie fans pledge their allegiance to the 12th man god in the temple of Kyle Field. And they say A&M is a cult. The audacity!
Two week ago Craig and I spent the weekend in College Station and attended the Montana State game with some old college friends. (Shout out to A&M’s victory!) It’s always so refreshing for me to spend time in College Station; I have such fond memories of my college years there. Because Craig’s grandfather was a veterinarian and a professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine at A&M, Craig too has fond memories of College Station that date back to his early childhood. For Craig, many birthdays, holidays, and of course Aggie football games, involved trips to Papaw’s house. To reminisce about the days of lore brings such joy to Craig’s heart and therefore mine. I feel as if I am often living his memories vicariously.
Craig’s grandfather passed away in March of this year and is survived by his widow Gloria whom we affectionately call Gigi. Gigi is an amazing woman. She is in her early eighties and is more active than most in their sixties: she plays tennis three times a week, quilts daily, attends sporting events. She is arguably the most active, fun, and relatable 82 year old woman I have ever met. Throughout various parts of Texas, the South, and the Northwest, Gloria has children and grandchildren who love her, and she travels to see them regularly. Though health, family, and time appear to be on her side, there is still one thing that she desires. Gloria is lonely. She is without her lifelong companion. She desires to be known, really known by someone with whom she can experience the remainder of her life.
I can’t imagine; I don’t want to try. The thought of living a day without Craig pains my heart. Lord, thank you that you have created within us desires that are more profound, more life-giving than College Station memories. You have created us with the desire to walk in relationships, to live in community, to love and to be loved. Even more overwhelming is the desire you’ve placed within us to yearn for more of you, Jesus. Of all the ties that bind, nothing binds us closer to each other than our bond in you.
Gig ‘em and God Bless!
