It was the start of the 4th quarter in a highly intense football game. I was sitting at the very last row—the tippy-top —by myself. I like to pace, not sit still when things get stressful so I often sit alone during those kind of games.

At one point I looked left and there stood a young college student with brown wavy hair and the most beautiful green eyes.

“Can I sit here?” she asked, pointing to the open seat next to me.

“Sure”, I replied. “No problem”.

Shortly after our team made a great play. I leaned over and high-fived her. Mind you, she was wearing the other schools gear but that didn’t stop me from expecting her to high five me back when I put my hands up.

If she was going to sit next to me, this was the price to pay.

We connected and she awkwardly smiled, a little caught off guard that I wanted her to be happy for the other team.

That started the conversation. She asked where I was from and who I was cheering for. I asked her where she was from and why she chose that college. Somehow the words between us just flowed and sharing became very simple.

Here’s the thing: I don’t usually talk a lot during football games. I actually like to focus on the game. I’ll talk a little, about the plays or situations to come, but I’m not chatty.

Especially during the 4th quarter of a tight game.

But here I was…talking away. Turns out she is psychology major and wants to be a therapist. She’s from a small town and had a graduating class of 16 people. She has big dreams and big goals and I told her to aim high and chase those dreams.

We talked about family issues, challenges
and anxiety. She was interested in what I do, how to help people and wants to carve out her own niche in the world. We talked about following your passion and not giving up. Turns out she’s a pretty amazing young lady.

Typically, I would be annoyed someone was talking to me during such an intense time when I just wanted to focus on the game. Typically, I would probably move a few steps right so I could be alone again and focus on the game.

But not that night and not with her. Our time connecting somehow felt bigger than anything else.

We lost on a last second field goal. It definitely stung and she could see it in my eyes. As her friends showed up, she asked if she could give me a hug and if we could connect on Instagram. I accepted both the kind hug and the friend request.

Sometimes life reminds us to see the beyond the game. Sometimes when we think we lost, we win something different. Sometimes people come into our lives for a lifetime, or a day or even just a small moment but they impact us in a way we never expected.

Life is about the people we meet along our journey. We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason, either they change our life or we change theirs. Everyone we meet has something to show us or some type of lesson to teach us. It is up to us to understand why they came and what positive thing they bring to our life.

Simply put, connection—whether big or small- is the glue that binds us together, the common thread that unites us in our joys, sorrows, hopes, and dreams. It is is the heart of the human experience.

It is what makes life worth living.
💛💛💛