Right before our competition at finals during National Band Championships, my coach told all of the seniors that this was it for us, and the next time we see this band on a field, we'll be in the stands watching.
The Homecoming game was really hard for all of us alumni; we all were in the stands during half-time for the first time in four years. Just when I thought the difficult stuff had passed (first game I wasn't in uniform, first time I wasn't in the circle, etc.), tonight happened.
Tonight, the band had their first competition of the season, and I didn't get to be on the bus, or on the field. It's killing me inside. For something I dedicated four years of my life to, I thought I wouldn't miss it for a long time. Well, the long time is over--I miss it so much.
Actually, I think I'm missing the relationships I had with people because of band. I miss seeing Alie, Claire and Steph at every practice/game/competiton/everything in between. Those three girls light up my day like nobody else can. I miss Cari yelling at me for being a count off. I miss making faces at Kurt from behind the prop as he walked to the front sideline. Actually, I miss Kurt period. I miss the long bus rides that we shared every Friday and Saturday. I miss taking a few deep breaths before lacing up our corsets and not being able to breathe properly. I miss guard. I miss the band. I even miss Mr. H.
The tears have ceased.
Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to be part of something so great, so enriching, so fun. The fall of 2007 was an amazing season for us as band. We nailed drill that no group would ever consider attempting. National Band Championships was hands down one of the best marching band experiences of my life. (The Rose Bowl Parade wins, no doubt!) Best of all, I got to spend nearly every moment of August-December with the most incredible group of people I've ever met in my life, and we made fantastic, long lasting memories. And that can't ever be redone, copied, or replaced. Ever.
The memories are what keep me going.
To Alie, Claire, Steph, Kurt, Big D, Leah, Laurynn, Helen, Bri, Courtenay, Cari, Becca, Mikayla, Candice and Maddy:
We had the best time in the world. It wouldn't have been the same without you. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
