Today I am wearing red.
Given that the BCS championship between Notre Dame and the University of Alabama happens tonight, some in my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, might think I’ve finally come to my senses. They’ve been waiting for it for some time. Over the past few weeks, they’ve stood in shock and disdain when I’ve said they I favor Notre Dame over Alabama. And they haven’t been quiet about it.
“But your father played sports at Alabama.”
“But you were raised in Alabama.”
“You can’t live in Alabama and not cheer for the Tide.”
“You’re a traitor.”
I’ve heard it all. And my response has always been the same: “But Notre Dame is my heart.”
And yet, after some thought I’ve decided that today I will wear red. Not because I now believe Alabama to be the better team. Not because I think I owe it to my state, my husband, or to my friends. But because Notre Dame is about more than sports.
When I had to the opportunity to attend law school at Notre Dame some sixteen years ago, I was introduced to a different universe, a universe that went beyond a spirited football game. The fact is that the lively spirit of Notre Dame lives in the Basilica, the classrooms, the bookstore, Saint Joseph’s lake, the Grotto, and–even on an equally spirited night out–at “The Backer.” And consequently, Notre Dame doesn’t require a football game, or a football win, to find its place into someone’s heart. It’s just there.
So at the end of the day, I will wear red. It doesn’t mean I don’t cheer for Notre Dame or won’t be turning cartwheels if the Irish prove that its spirit is alive in football on this day as well. It just means that Notre Dame and I are defined by more than football.
Go Irish.
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