A Very Special Homecoming Memory

I was on Homecoming Court at the University of Georgia 42 years ago, and being back at UGA this week has brought back so many memories. Including one very special surprise I received on game day. And no, it wasn't that I was crowned Homecoming Queen!

I'm 62 years old, and a student again at UGA, studying what I wanted to major in when I was 17 years old but was talked out of pursuing: theatre. I absolutely love it!

HOMECOMING COURT

42 years ago, I was nominated for Homecoming Court by Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, also known as Fiji. Thanks, guys! I was a little sister at the time, and I was so fortunate to be selected for the court.

We had so much fun that week with all the different activities. In this photo, we're at a jewelry store with the manager, who was showing us the diamond pendant the Homecoming Queen would win. There were so many fun events and special moments leading up to the big day.

The Surprise I Never Saw Coming

Back then, the girls were escorted onto the football field on Saturday, usually by their dads. Unfortunately, my dad couldn't be there. He and my mom had just moved to Florida for his new job, and that weekend was the biggest of the year for his company. It was the end of the sales term, and he had a full schedule of events and responsibilities. He simply couldn't get away.

I completely understood, but of course, we were both disappointed. He was so proud of me, and I knew he wished he could be there.

My boyfriend stepped in and went with me on Friday for the rehearsal. We practiced walking onto the field, learned which yard line we'd be standing on, and got everything ready for Saturday. He had his suit all picked out and was ready to escort me onto the field.

I was living in the sorority house, and when I came downstairs Saturday morning, there were my mom and dad! My dad was all dressed up and ready to go.Even now, all these years later, I get emotional thinking about that moment. He had taken a huge risk with his job, and found a way to be there for me. I'll never forget walking onto that football field with him and how proud he was. It didn't matter to him whether I won. What mattered was that he was there, sharing that moment with me. And that meant everything.

The One Thing I Wish I Had

The one thing I wish I had from that day is a photograph of the two of us on the field. I've gone through so many family pictures since both of my parents passed away, but I haven't found a single one. Of course, this was long before digital cameras and cell phones...we took pictures on film and dropped it off at the drugstore to be developed! Maybe one of my family members has a picture tucked away somewhere. I would love to find it someday.

A Little Full Circle Moment

Being back at UGA now, 42 years later, has made that memory feel especially close. And getting to enjoy this year's Homecoming festivities, including the parade and carnival, has been such a fun reminder of just how special this place is.

So, to all the Homecoming Court members today, both the girls and the guys, I hope the weather cooperates and you have an absolutely wonderful day celebrating with your families and friends. Soak it all in. Take the pictures. Make the memories. And hug your people a little tighter.

Thank you for letting me take a little trip down memory lane and share a moment that has stayed with me for 42 years. Go Dawgs!