Phases and stages, no good title for this blog post. Or better said I'm not taking the time to create one. I wrote the first post after the Oct 31- the last regular season game and didn't hit publish. Then added the Wed, last game- conf play game....and then Denison work (BRW.BOA.REMIX)..and there are so many things to share, but this one needs to be live, this one needs to be done. We're so grateful for all three kids' D3 Athletic Experiences. We're grateful all three kids shared the joy we've had this season. And we know all good things come to an end...sharing the story here Sally now can post #retired on her Insta and send her stick home to Life on Newark-Granville Road.
The Last Games and some messasges on the love we've felt and our gratitude:
Sally's final season has come to an end and we are ever proud of her. Susan and Joe's 8th year of collegiate sports- and we've loved every minute. If you've been watching and reading along with me, you know October was pure magic, a gift like a warm blanket for the November farewell.
October 31st- the last regular season game..DePauw vs. Denison in Greencastle...but we knew they'd go on to NCAA Conference play- yay- so it wasn't the last game. And what a game...
OVERTIME- 0-0 (with a goal called back after review), Clare and Caroline there, Ann and Scott, tailgating starting at 9 ish with the full lot of football and soccer fans..DePauw does it right! Joe reminded us Leithausers are 0 and 12 against Denison...we thought maybe this was the game...alas..no but what a wonderful battle and great teamwork!
Great tailgate post game to feed the team and fans, walking tacos...well done Harpenaus, what a lovely family you are, we're grateful for all the time together and your efforts...we just love time at DePauw! Thank you Scott and Ann for securing lodging and joining us for an evening in Greencastle!
Our weekend was launched by dinner at Harry and Izzi's the St. Elmo's sister restaurant- Sally enjoyed steak we'd reaved about, we shared the infamous shrimp cocktail and it was just a lovely way to wrap the week, start the weekend and be together in Indy. On Sunday, we grabbed dinner at Breakfast Co on the way out of town, and made it home for Joe to rake as he will until Michigan game and we managed to walk 9 holes at Denison..on Nov 1st..Life is Good on Newark-Granville Road!
And then the last game, the last last game. We're not done, Denison vs. DePauw- 1st round Conf Championships Tourney- 5 pm Wed at Piper Stadium, Deeds Field, in the rain, in Granville, AND, all the figure eight moments, like it does in this life on Newark-Granville Road, Some of those are captured here in the pic- Tara (her High School Coach, Denison alum, now on the field working- taking great pics), Nan, Nan, Nan, Nan...Nan shares this life- she inspires and coaches in the way only Nan can with positivity, experience and love. Scott and Ann came back in full rain gear. The friends- Joleen (how many side line chats have we had), Lee- same oh the lax days with our girlies, Lori...oh Lori one of my dearest Newark-Granville Friends...Sally's friend Eliza...I could go on and on...They fought, they looked great- this team is a special team and we just loved watching Sally and all of those young women do their thing! Denison is good- so good- fast...they deserve the win and to move forward- we love cheering for you (update they're going to the NCAAs). It was nice to have a small and mighty DePauw fan section, so thank you parents that made the trip and friends that boosted the cheers. Thank you Nicole and Perry, dear Anna...what a family to share four years. We have so much gratitude for all you've done. The announcer was great that night- Sally Leithauser, from Granville, OH...back on the field, Sally Leithauser, hometown gal....Oh to hear your kid's name at Piper Stadium- it is special.
And then the farewells, the tradition of feeding the team Palumbos, gathering in Mitchell...we know how lucky we are to have our spaces and places at Denison. Seeing and experiencing Denison as a visitor is healthy. I love the touches the parents bring- cookies with black and gold ribbons, beloved snickerdoodle, we shared cannolis- have you had a Palumbo Cannoli? I do use food as a love language and facilitating the fresh made quality sandwiches Cindy P created helps me process and care.
Yes, a bit teary, bittersweet, poignant- a time captured and one I want to remember. Sally gave me her stick to bring home. She said goodbye to it- said- see you at Thanksgiving. She will see us for Monon..a future Blog post!! I shared this with a field hockey Mom from another team/state...and that touched her too- saying good bye to the stick. We've all had companions on this beautiful D3 college athletic jrouney and all we can say is thank you, thank you, thank you. We feel the love, we love the love and will miss the time together, the opportunity to say GO TIGERS, Roar...and be together. Life on Newark-Granville Road has been beautiful because and beetter for all these D3 experience on and off the field, as part of teams all types, we're grateful. GO TEAM!
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