Long Live

6:15 p.m., November 13, 2010. I turned to my friend Sam and said, "This is the best day ever."

It started hours earlier, with Latin Mass at 9 a.m. accompanied by Rob. We grabbed Sam and Annette, and all headed to a nutritious brunch at Between the Buns. We then parted ways with Annette and showed up at Joey's apartment for pre-game festivities. My beloved triplets Maggie and Alyssa joined us, to general merriment. Let's just say bonbons were involved. We made our way to our LAST EVER home game as seniors, against ranked team Utah. And then... the brilliance started.

The traditional marshmallow fight during half-time (mine were pink and strawberry-flavored). Friends lifting me into the air to do push-ups when we scored. Rain that couldn't dampen our spirit or efface the fact that...we were winning. The final score: 28-3.

We rushed the field and ran around cheering. The mood on the field felt electric. I found my dorm friends in the middle of the field and we ran to hug football players, crisscross the field, and uproariously sing the Irish Jig and Alma Mater. Sam carried me on his shoulders and I felt victorious...All I could scream to players, cheerleaders, fans, ushers, was "I love you! I love you all!" "We love you too!" yelled one usher.

This song by Taylor Swift captured my feelings and those of other seniors:


The day ended with a delightful dinner with Maria, Joey, and Joey's adorable family.

So many years. So many football losses. But such great friends to share these moments and memories... Love thee, Notre Dame.

As Taylor said, long live.