It’s time to put away the Duke Matrushka dolls for another year.
The Blue Devils got beaten soundly by Arizona last night in the round of 16, breaking my heart and ending all hopes of a viable bracket. I am currently in 37th place in the IdiotsBracket. At least Dahna the knowledgeable Canadian is no longer in first.
This moment happens every year. Duke is bounced from the tournament and I’m left to contemplate a long off-season. But here’s the dark secret: my overwhelming feeling is one of relief. The only thing worse than my team losing is spending all my time worrying about whether or not my team will lose. Such is the self-defeating mindset of the sports fan.
So long, guys. Thanks for another great season.
Last one out of the locker room, turn out the light.
I don’t know what the appropriate words are to express that while I personally have zero interest in college basketball, the standings or a bracket, much less any specific team, I do understand and acknowledge that this sport of relatively young men running around, bouncing and throwing a ball – ideally through a hoop – is very important to you. Specifically, a sub-grouping of these young men based on where they are matriculated has a stronger importance to you than other similar sub-groupings, and said sub-grouping – while not your alma mater – is indeed very dear to you. And while I cannot understand the interest in them or the desire for their success, I completely appreciate the importance that this has for you, and therefore while I cannot empathize with the feelings you are experiencing right now, I understand that you are having feelings of some sort and I would like to offer whatever support I can, emotional or otherwise, during this, your time of personal hardship.
As you are the writer, perhaps you can identify the appropriate words for this occasion and pretend that they are coming from me, with all of my heart.
-Don
Don: I do appreciate your support.
I think the words you’re looking for are: “I feel you, man.”
I feel you, man.
Don: You’re a quick study.
I feel for you too, man. When I heard the news, my heart sank for you. Did Robbi gloat? (Sorry, Robbi, I had to ask).
So sorry, Matthew.
Poor Matthew. We will have to send you some cute baby pictures to cheer you up.
Duke sucks.
;-P
April:
Don’t threaten me with baby photos and then fail to follow up. Bring it!
Matthew
Jenifer: Robbi doesn’t gloat. She just doesn’t care. Which is even worse.
Clare: You’re cut out of the will. And you were going to get some really nice socks.