The Agony of Defeat

Originally Published: Jan 9, 2011 7:9 PM CDT

Sports is a jerk.

I woke up Saturday morning excited. I rarely get to watch a Colts game with my boys. We all LOVE the Colts. Its really the only of my favorite pro teams that has rubbed off on my kids. For some reason theyve decided to be Yankees fans. And Im always working Sundays so we usually just text back and forth about the exploits of Peyton and Freeney and Vinatieri.

But this Saturday was different. I had a vacation day so I got to watch a Colts PLAYOFF game with Trevor and Payton. Awesome! We were giddy all week. Then when Saturday arrived the gradual buildup continued through the early bowl game and the Seahawks upset of the Saints until kickoff arrived and our heads were about to explode with anticipation. I even made my famous pink dip for the occasion. (No, you cant have the recipe.)

Then three hours later a mood swing the likes of which my little family has never experienced. From the ecstasy of Vinatieris 50-yard field goal to give the Colts the lead...to the kick to the gut delivered moments later by the foot of Nick Folk. I glanced through by watery eyes at my sons who were trying not to let me see them fighting back tears. We went our separate ways as bummed out as we could be.

I woke up delirious and went to bed deflated. Thanks a lot sports, you big jerk.