Louisville 62, Duke 73.

So, here I sit, Dream Weaver that Pat Kelsey has proven to be, sitting at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Heck, we didn’t even know if it was going to come together at all this year. Some of us have been ill. Others just out of sorts. Some gone.

But in the end we gathered.

And, oh what a feast it’s been. The turkey this time around especially juicy and tasty. Gotta remember what kind for next year. The oyster dressing positively sublime.

Oh my, the garlic truffle mashed potatoes. Haven’t had those before. It won’t be the last.

Saved Aunt Martha’s to-die-for green bean casserole for last. It was a bit off frankly. Disappointing.

Have to remember she’s been hurting. Visits to the doc and PT.

Yet I push away from the table, loosen my belt which, imagine my surprise, has gotten a little tight over the last while.

I am savoring the whole deal. The glorious wonder of it all.

Not just the food. But the conversation. The connection. That one of the kids while running around, knocked over a lamp and cracked its base. To no consequence really, but we had to console her guilt. We’ll laugh about for years.

This is the way it ought to be.

This is the way it hasn’t been for a few years now.

Yeah, I was really looking forward to that casserole, but come on. Next time, for sure.

Now, as we’re clearing the table, I am smiling.

Dessert is still to come.

* * * * *

Before this campaign began, even the most deliriously optimistic of Cardinal fanatics could not possibly have imagined seriously short-handed Louisville would be playing talent-overloaded Duke for the ACC tourney crown.

That Selection Sunday would dawn and we would not be chewing on some Double Bubble, we wouldn’t be fretting about whether the Cards name will be called a bit after 6:00 PM.

Gotta find that pair of Tony Manero dancin’ shoes. They’re somewhere in the closet. Covered with dust.

Because, Last Night’s Disappointment Notwithstanding, the University of Louisville Cardinals, the 27-7 Louisville Cardinals, the Louisville Cardinals that had lost but once before last night this calendar year . . . this overachieving beloved gang of Louisville Cardinals . . .

. . . will be competing in the NCAA Tournament.

Damn, I love typing those words.

* * * * *

All of which musing is to say this wag simply feels no need to breakdown what mighta coulda woulda shoulda happened Saturday night against the Evil Empire. For me there are no this or thats, if onlys, what happened theres, what was that abouts.

The Cardinals played.

Duke is way taller, way longer, way way more talented, and well coached. Absent some guy whose name escapes me, they still simply won.

But, ya know, all 68 invitees to the Dance will stand 0-0.

Among them, my Cardinals. My loyal reader’s Cardinals.

The future?

Make sure those shades don’t have any smudges.

Bright might be too mild a word.

As for Thanksgiving, this one was not the last.

— c d kaplan