Backyard Bright

Best Family Weekend Activity: Backyard Football in the Fall    Autumn Saturdays were a sacred ritual in our house. The air, crisp with a hint of autumn, carried the promise of football. The backyard, our gridiron, was a patch of green magic where dreams of touchdowns and interceptions were born. I was the quarterback, naturally. Dad, with his linebacker build and a competitive streak as long as the field, was the defensive mastermind. My little brother, Max, was the wild card – equal parts speed and chaos. Our mom was the official scorekeeper and sideline cheerleader, her voice a powerful weapon against any questionable calls. One unforgettable game, I attempted a Hail Mary pass as time expired. The ball arced high, a golden leaf dancing in its wake. Max, with the instincts of a cheetah, leaped, his fingers brushing the ball.   A collective gasp escaped our lips as it seemed destined to fall incomplete. Then, in slow motion, he twisted, contorted...