Cats and Horses

The Saga, continued is typically a reminiscence of long ago family stories, occasionally mixed with the not quite so ancient  - a wedding, a family ring beginning a new life, or a holiday story - and this time around, it's about an adventure in the more recent past.

A few years ago, we were offered the opportunity to enjoy a friend's Luxury Suite at Charlotte's Bank of America stadium to see the Carolina Panthers. We invited a dozen friends, planned the menu, and headed to Charlotte. As chance would have it, our guide was leading us from our box to the field for the pre-game festivities as former Spartanburg resident and Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and his family were pulling into their parking space. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson stopped to speak, and then Jerry spontaneously invited Phillip and a few others (no girls allowed!) to tour the locker room and meet the players. Afterwards, Mr. Richardson walked them through the stadium tunnel to join us on the field, where we watched the pretty incredible warm-up until shortly before kickoff. After wide receiver Steve Smith almost landed in Phillip's lap during a practice catch, he presented him with a signed football. It was a great and memorable day, and we celebrated a Panthers win.

Fast forward to 2016, and on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers and the two-time Super Bowl winner Denver Broncos will play for the title of Super Bowl 50. Here's to a safe, well-played, exciting game, and may your favorite group of cats - or horses - finish the season with a win!