I pride myself in not watching the Super Bowl— not even for the commercials.  That’s why today’s post is especially compelling.

Greg Kimbrough, or as I like to call him, Dr. House, is my gym trainer from a few years ago.  He introduced me to the V02 test (a test I always insist I’ll fail and he insists it’s impossible to fail) the magic of the Colosseum (the Stairmaster), Bulldozers (he told me football players do this exercise), countless weight machines and even boxing.

He made the gym my Disney World and my Roman Colosseum where battles are won with every visit.  He cleverly gave me the nickname:  Gym Rat, which is a title I wear with great pride.

He took the time to understand what motivates me and even what makes me nervous.  He has a skill for proving I can do far more than I think.  And every time he proves me wrong— my scowl, look of fear or doubt turns into wonder, excitement and a sense of pride.

That is why I eagerly, excitedly, giddily drove 2 hours away on a cold, cloudy afternoon with a chance of rain, to watch his team play that night.

He put me on ‘the list’ so that Big Bertha and I could just walk right in.

He gave me cart blanche on where I could station myself and Big Bertha.  So I planted myself on the sidelines— at first a distance away from the players— but it wasn’t long before I was standing among the players.

When I showed up I had no idea how long the game would last.  But the moment it started I didn’t want it to end.  It was magical—the adrenaline, the emotions, the brute force.  Here are highlights from the experience…

I promised player #10 I’d take his photo.

I even assured a young lady that I took a photo of her cousin who is a player on the opposing team.

Towards the end of the game I noticed my toes were frozen. But that was an insignificant price to pay for the opportunity to experience football in an entirely new way.

Once the game finished all the players gathered on the field and Greg led both teams in praying the Our Father.

I can’t wait to go to another Panthers game.  Thank you, Dr. House.