Let's go 'Ceeens'! (AKA: Let's go Canes!)

Vanessa, Tina and Madison celebrating after qualifying for the
Babe Ruth Softball State Tournament - June 28, 2015 

Vanessa was always a fan.  She always wanted to be at the game.  She loved Steelers football, UVA basketball (and secretly UVA football, although she never had a lot to cheer for there), and her absolute favorite was any sport the girls were involved in.

She cheered on countless softball games, basketball games, golf rounds, volleyball matches or was in the concession stand with me if she wasn't in the stands.  She was just as big a sports junkie as I was!?!?!  One of our first conversations when meeting was about Steelers football, and as I stated in previous blogs... I knew she was the one.

It has been a bittersweet day, and a bittersweet week.  Our Pamlico County Lady Hurricanes punched their ticket to the State Championship today by defeating Roxboro 59-47, and became the Eastern Champs.  All I could hear today was Vanessa's high pitched 'Yankee twang' screaming, "Let's go Ceeens!"  Well, that's what it sounded like... but, it was supposed to be "Let's go Canes!"  She would have been so proud of Coach Rose and all the girls today.

2016-2017 NCHSAA 1-A Eastern Region Champion Pamlico County Lady Canes!

I thought about her a lot during the game today.  I thought about her this week as Madison's youth team fought their way to a 2nd place finish.  I thought about her with our trip to Plymouth... where she would have been louder than the woman beside me, and probably told her she was 'ridiculous'... as only Vanessa could do.  I thought about her last Saturday in the concession stand, as the Lady Canes played East Columbus... I kept looking for her at the cash box.

As I stated above, she was always there... even as she battle cancer and had every right to stay home and rest.  She chose to cheer on our kids, volunteer for our kids, and then come home and scream obscenities at the TV as her college and pro teams played :)

Madison's 2nd place Youth Basketball team.

Madison came with me today to watch the East Region Championship game.  She whined a little on the way there and really didn't act like she wanted to be going.  We rode with Harry and Tina Brooks, Keith Poole, Zayne Perkins and Jennifer Hardison.  Once we got down the road, Jennifer kept her occupied and engaged with a 'little conversation'... I don't think Madison stopped talking unless it was to breathe?!?!?!  Following the game, we all went out to eat at Joe's Crab Shack.  Madison was the life of the party!  She laughed and giggled at the table.  She got up twice to dance (Cupid Shuffle and some other song) with all the waitresses in front of the packed restaurant.  She was so happy... and loud :)  It felt like I was there with Vanessa.  Vanessa would act identical... well, after a drink or 2.  I especially thought of Vanessa when they sang Happy Birthday to a customer while we were there... that was Vanessa's favorite karaoke song, cause everyone knew it, and it made everyone happy :)  (so she claimed)
I know I say this every blog entry, but I really missed her being there tonight...

Miss Too Cute to be Crabby... sitting beside Mr. Justin 'Bibber' (AKA: Keith Poole)

Lastly, I want to mention something I am VERY proud of!  I'm not sure if I can, but I'm going to do it anyways!  At Thursday's Booster meeting, Kris Ward proposed that the Booster's create a student scholarship in Vanessa's name.  The scholarship will be a 1 time $500 gift to a student who displays Vanessa's 'overcomer' attitude... someone who never gives up even in the worst of odds, who keeps trying regardless of their ability, or the score.  This scholarship will be open to any student-athlete, cheerleader, band member or member of the drill team (cause Vanessa was the world's biggest band geek).  Coaches will nominate students and submit to the Booster Board, with the Board choosing the most deserving on an annual basis.  Needless to say, I am very proud and honored by this award in Vanessa's name. 

Vanessa (right) in action, with Ashley Kesner on the Indian River High School Band Drill Team...