I need to find my husband some pink shoelaces today. That’s my mission and if I need to drive 45 minutes from my home to find a Target to do so, it will be done.
Friday night the Ohio Bobcats play Kent State at the Convo Center here in Athens. On the sideline, you will find my husband wearing a sharp looking business suit and sneakers. The game is part of a national effort to raise awareness for the fight against cancer. It’s called Coaches Versus Cancer.
Here’s what the American Cancer Society says about it on its website: “The Coaches vs. Cancer program empowers coaches, their teams, and communities to join the fight against cancer by participating in awareness efforts, advocacy programs, and fundraising activities. Guided by the Coaches vs. Cancer Council, participating coaches help people with cancer today and to find cures to end the disease tomorrow, and have raised more than $87 million to help the American Cancer Society’s mission.”
I was standing in the kitchen talking with Saul yesterday while he was pulling stuff out of his backpack. He had just gotten home from a two game road trip and was attempting to organize his life. He proudly pulled out one size 10 sneaker and held it up to for me to see.
“Who knew Coaches Versus Cancer would hit so close to home this year?” he quipped.
I know there are many types of cancer and a cure is essential for all of them, but when I think of cancer, I think of pink.
I quickly decided to slide a comment across the kitchen island, much like someone would slide a piece of paper or a cup of coffee. “Want me to find you pink shoelaces?” I subtly offered.
I waited for my husband, the coach, to tell me how distracting that would be in the game. Instead, my husband, the softie, said, “Yeah. That would be great.”
So today, I’m going to find Saul pink shoelaces. And when you see him on the sideline Friday looking like a hot mess in his suit, sneakers and pink laces, I hope you remember he’s a good coach and a great husband.
By the way, the game will be nationally televised on ESPNU at 9pm Eastern. Put on your best green and white (and maybe even pink!) and get ready to cheer. Go Cats!
