The Big Game

It was the perfect fall day for football, and today, I was among the crowd (thanks Mike & Shari) in East Lansing, at what I considered to be my first "real" college football game. The sky was blue, with big white fluffy clouds. There was definitely a chill in the air, but I was bundled up, and the cold made the hot chocolate taste even better. It was a good game, Michigan State won, I had a great time, and I made a few discoveries.


I was amazed that 71,000 people can converge upon a single destination, and fit into such a relatively small space.


I was amazed that with 71,000 people in such a small space, nearly everyone I came in contact with was polite, friendly and helpful.


I was amazed at how 71,000 people can cooperate to form a wave that goes completely around the stadium--twice.


I was amazed by the skill of the athletes and the musicians.


And, sadly, I was amazed by the police carrying a young woman out of the bathroom who drank too much alcohol. I work at a hospital, and I've seen some scary things over the years--car accidents, burn victims, a man hit by a train. But I've never seen a young person in such poor condition from drinking. I've never seen a human being that peculiar shade of green before.


Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident. Google "college drinking", and you get about 6 million entries. Most research suggests that drinking, particularly binge drinking, is quite common among college students. MY teenager will be going off to college in less than 2 years. I am scared.


I just heard about talk of new legislation in Michigan, that would protect minors who call 911 for medical help when they or their friends drink too much alcohol, in order to save lives. This says to me that we think our children will watch someone die because they are afraid of getting a ticket for minor in possesion. WHAT? Is this how we are raising our children? God help us. But it's a start, a baby step. Admitting there is a problem is the first step, right? As a parent, though, I'd like to see more. Let's work harder to eliminate the drinking in the first place. Let's educate ourselves and our kids. Let's work together to find where the problem starts, and stop it before it starts. So there's no need to be afraid to call 911. So I don't have to be scared to send my daughter off to college.



God help us.