“Go Blue! Go Pink!”
“Go Blue!” The voice of the announcer blared
over the loudspeaker as the crowd at the Crisler Arena thundered its applause.
It was a big night of basketball in Ann Arbor, with the University of Michigan
playing Northwestern University. The game was already under way as Al, our
daughter Shanda, her two boys and I hurried through the doors of the huge
arena.
Since
it was Shanda and the kids’ first time at a U of M basketball game, Al was eager
for them to have that experience which was always fun and exciting. We had
hoped to get there early; however, as it worked out, we arrived a little late,
missing the pre-game warmups and announcements.
The crowds
had mostly dissipated from the food court area, so we were able to speedily
purchase dinner. Balancing boxes of pizza, drinks and foil covered hot dogs, we
made our way up to our seats in the stands. It wasn’t as packed as the last
time Al and I attended a home game, just before the Covid shut down in 2020. We
had a good view of the arena, with not many people around us.
After
settling into our seats and eating, Shanda said, “Look at all of the pink
t-shirts!” The student section across from us on the other side of the arena
was predominately pink rather than the traditional yellow and blue Michigan
colors. Even the guys on the team sported pink high tops or pink socks.
Pink!
None of us had realized that it was breast-cancer awareness night, highlighting
the comprehensive cancer center on campus.
Usually, one home game during the season is “Go Pink!” night and it just
so happened to be the night Al picked for us to attend.
“If I had known it ahead of time,” said
Shanda, “I would have worn my pink hat.”
The game was well underway, with the score
fluctuating back and forth between the two teams who seemed pretty well matched
in talent. During the half-time program, there was a recognition of the people
in attendance who were breast cancer survivors or who were currently undergoing
treatment.
When those folks were asked to stand to their
feet, Shanda also stood up. Her dad and I are so proud of her courage and
determination over the course of many years. It was inspiring seeing so many
women who had gone through a similar experience and to feel such great support
for them.
“Go Pink!” thundered the announcer.
When they sat down, there was a thundering
“Go Blue!” to rouse the Michigan fans
and cheer the team as it came back on the court.
During
the second half, Northwestern edged ahead and then took the lead for several
minutes. Things didn’t look good for U of M. Suddenly a man sitting in front of
us jumped up and shouted, “Wake up!”
That did it for me! I woke up! And so did the
team! Michigan ended with a two-point victory over Northwestern. We left the
stadium feeling happy, not just over the win but also over the tremendous
outpouring of support for those battling breast cancer, including Shanda. She
certainly has inspired us with her strength and determination during this journey.
Life is a strange mix isn’t it? Basketball
and breast cancer… pleasure and pain… joy and sorrow… How can we not be shaken with the diagnosis of
cancer or any other bad news, pitching our lives upside down?
Just after Jesus told His disciples of his betrayal,
imminent arrest and death, He told them not to be troubled or afraid. “Trust in
God; trust also in me.” He assured them
that He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and would
come back to take them to be with Him. (John 14:1-3).
Solomon described a woman who honors the Lord
in this way: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the
days to come.” (Proverbs 31:25 NIV)
Man or woman, young or old, God is the source
of our inner strength when bad news comes our way. Our hope is being with Him
for eternity, no matter what happens to us in this life. He loves us! Good
news! Go Blue! Go Pink!
*Psalm
112:6-7 NIV
Grandson Nate
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