The LSU/Mississippi State football game has always been a special event in my family. With my mom’s side virtually split halfway on allegiance to both teams, the game is our once-a-year shot for bragging rights and light Christmas teasing. Growing up, I always looked forward to the State game because it was a chance for the family to come together, and we generally held nothing back.
But this year’s game in Starkville, Miss. weighs much heavier on all our hearts.
When LSU and State play each other for the 97th time this Saturday, my uncle Sammie Cutrer will not be in the stands. He died tragically in a one-car accident on Interstate 55 near Magnolia, Miss. on Feb. 23. His passing has been hard on us all, not only because he was a great father, husband and friend, but because it was so sudden.
Sports cannot even provide the usual escape it often does for me in times of tragedy because I feel like I’ve lost part of the great tradition of watching sports – enjoying it with all your family members.
Though LSU has won 10 of the last 11 meetings, the excitement of the game was always high because no matter who won, we were spending time together. One of my best memories of the series was last year’s MSU game, my first covering an LSU football game as a reporter. Getting to see my family, including my uncle outside the Music and Dramatic Arts building where my cousin was playing in the band, was so wonderful. Even though he was pulling for the Bulldogs, I knew he was proud of me for achieving one of my goals.
Not having him for this game is an unfortunate reminder of how I wish I could have known him better, and it also makes me remember the small amount of time we have here and how I can’t take anything, especially my family, for granted.
While his absence has forever changed my family, the game offers hope because it’s one of the many ways my family can keep remembering him.
The great memories we have of the game is our reminder that he always will be with us in spirit and though the seat he sat in at the game may be empty, the place for him in our hearts will never be.
So when LSU and Mississippi State kick off from Scott Field at 8 p.m. on Saturday, my heart will be split. A long-time native of Baton Rouge, I’ll pull for LSU to win, but the love of my family and the memory of my uncle will always color a small part of my heart maroon and white.