When you sit in an airport for close to seven hours, you’d normally be angry.
From a long flight delay to having to take all luggage out of the plane to returning to a crowded terminal at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport last week, I could’ve lost my mind.
I was totally cool with it.
Because what I experienced a few days prior made everything all worth it.
Something I’ll remember until the day I die.
From 2021 until the present, my brother Patrick and I have had it pretty good when it comes to attending unforgettable sporting events. From the 2021 Michigan-Ohio State game to a trip down to Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium to watch our cousin play tight end for Ole Miss, it’s all been one awesome ride.
Those are times you will never forget, with people you love dearly.
Can anything top those kinds of sporting events? You would think not.
But one did last Wednesday, as Pat and I journeyed to Atlanta's gorgeous Mercedes Benz Stadium, the site of England meeting the Democratic Republic of Congo in a World Cup Round of 32 match.
Just weeks prior, I was iffy on whether I wanted to attend this matchup, especially with the absurd pricing of World Cup tickets. But when you have a chance to do something you might never be able to do again, you take that chance.
That’s why it was all worth it — and not just because of the game itself, which was epic.
It wasn’t just the early goal from DR Congo that lifted the roof off the stadium.
It wasn’t just Harry Kane’s two stunning goals that inspired England to a 2-1 victory.
It wasn’t just supporters joyously singing Oasis’ “Wonderwall” following England’s triumph.
All those moments were beautiful, but you know what topped them all?
Being there with my brother for all of it, just like those previous sporting epics we attended.
It was being on the train with Pat, heading back to his home, watching the United States capture a knockout stage victory later that night, and it was certainly hearing him sing ‘Don’t take me home," a famous chant by English fans. As a soccer dork myself, it was exciting to see how much he’s gotten into the sport. It was also a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my brother, his wife, and their two beautiful twin daughters.
It was about being with family.
Those are things that stick with you for a lifetime.
As I sit here a week later, I can’t stop thinking about those moments — even the goofy ones, where I struggled to find my way through the giant city of Atlanta. But who was there with me? My brother, somebody I hold dear to my heart. Someday, I hope to return to a World Cup match — perhaps in the U.S. or even elsewhere — but I’m thrilled I got to experience a rare opportunity with my best friend.
Thanks for everything, Pat.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
Source: Cheboygannews.com
