Making memories at a Carolina Panthers football game.
Memories That Last a Lifetime
Loving the Carolina Panthers is not just about the game of football, but it’s also about memories and relationships. My deceased husband, Michael McCullough, loved the Carolina Panthers even before they played their first home game (the stadium in Charlotte wasn’t ready yet) at Clemson University in 1995.
When Michael bought the tickets, our oldest daughter, Kristin, couldn’t wait to go. It turned out that game set the tone for what was to come over the next decade, with Kristin growing to love the Panthers as much as her dad. Even after getting married in 2005, Kristin didn’t stop going to the games with him. She said riding to and from the games (about 30 miles) they didn’t talk a lot, but didn’t have to because of the mutual bond they shared. With all the media coverage and excitement of the Super Bowl this year, the memories of those special times came flooding back.
Kristin said, The best memories I have of my dad besides the time he spent with my boys (his grandsons) are the Carolina Panther football games. He always bought tickets he thought were the “best of the season” either being a Monday night game or a team we could beat. He made sure we were at the gates when they opened, with the “plan” to get to our special spot before anyone else so we could see the players running in and out from the locker room.
During one of those times when Jake Delhomme threw me an autographed hat, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, or dad’s! I’ll cherish forever our last game together almost six-years-ago when I was pregnant with Carson. Dad told me to sit at the table while he went to get us lunch. We ate and talked. When watching the Panther’s play today, I always think of him. He would be proud to know I’m passing on not only a love of football, but a love for the Carolina Panthers to his grandsons, Carson and Garrett.
For our family and for many other families, the Carolina Panthers are much more than a football team playing a game once a week. This team brings families together in a wholesome atmosphere with players that are approachable and visible in their community, not only volunteering in hospitals and schools, but serving through different organizations. That kind of attitude starts at the top with owner of the Carolina Panthers, Jerry Richardson, and the vision he had years ago. Sure, we’re sad we lost the Super Bowl, but there’s always hope for next year and isn’t hope what it’s all about? Besides, the Super Bowl lasts for one night. Memories last a lifetime.
What special memories do you have of the Carolina Panthers both off and on the field? Leave a message below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
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