Last Saturday night was one filled with emotion. I attended the Egg Bowl, and of course being a Mississippi State graduate, losing the game was disappointing.  But what touched my heart with even more melancholy was witnessing each of the MSU senior football players take to their home field one last time.

It was senior night, and each one of the senior football players was recognized. I do not know any of them personally. However, it did make me feel proud when they called out Devin Bell’s name. He is from Vicksburg and played football at my high school alma mater, Warren Central.

As each name was called, one by one, a senior player walked out onto the field with a red rose in hand. The crowds were cheering, and when the seniors made it out to the field where head coach Dan Mullen was standing, they embraced him with a bear hug and he responded likewise. Mullen’s wife also shared a hug with each of the players. It was obvious this couple had served as surrogate parents to these senior football players throughout their collage years. Afterward, the players were greeted by their families where more hugs ensued.

Thanks to the awesome Jumbotron at Davis Wade Stadium, I, along with all of the other fans who were in attendance, was able to get more than a bird’s eye view of each of the players’ faces. It was a moving site. These men had tears streaming down their faces, and one was crying so much, he would have done well to have had an entire Kleenex box in tow.

As I watched those big guys crying, I found myself getting all misty-eyed, too. There is just something about when tough and aggressive meets soft and vulnerable.

It is a bittersweet moment when something important in your life comes to a close. The future holds promise, but letting go can still feel sad.

Like these senior football players, I too had felt a loss a week earlier on Friday night. It was the last night I was a parent of a WCHS football cheerleader.

I do not think I felt sad so much for my daughter, who is to graduate in the spring, as it was a moment I realized that something for me was coming to an end.

I had graduated from Warren Central, and as a member of the Big Blue band had spent many a Friday night at games. My four children followed as students, and cheering for my Viking football team had returned. But now, after almost four decades, it has ended.

I know, just like the MSU senior football players, I can always return to watch the team play, and I am sure I will.  I think it will be different.

I will cherish this last WCHS football season. It was fun, and having a winning season was an added bonus. Who knows, maybe one day I will have a grandson or granddaughter who will attend Warren Central and become a Viking, too. I hope so.