Spotting family in the crowd

Over the past year and a half, as I've traveled to many states with Amanda, I can't remember a trip to the airport that didn't result in at least one "Roll Tide."

See, Amanda's an avid Alabama fan, and she's not alone. There's a nation of Alabama fans out there as evidenced by the constant sightings of folks adorned in crimson, white and hounds tooth wandering to and from their destinations and taking with them the visible pride in the school they cheer for - having attended or not.

But there's also a nation of Grangers out there. While our numbers may not rival that of the legion of alumni, parents and others infatuated with Big Al, we number in the tens of thousands.  We travel. We eat out. We shop for groceries and attend parades.  But I've never seen Amanda do a double-take, run some unsuspecting person down and say "hey Brother/Sister" when recognizing Grange paraphernalia adorning their head or chest.

 She can be kind of loud and embarrassing, but I get it.  You want to see people who make up your extended community or family, connect with them and smile that you're not alone.

So why do we feel alone when she puts aside her "A" shirts and wears a Grange t-shirt instead? Is it time we all invest a bit in showing our pride and family affiliation?

Actually, I guess I should say is it time you invest since I'm still waiting for a Grange shirt that will fit.  There are some great new products - t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies - and some older ones that shouldn't be overlooked like polos, jackets and denim shirts.

Why don't you peruse the Grange Store website and find the apparel championing our organization and put it into rotation in your wardrobe when you go to non-Grange events and places?  Maybe you'll just be the next spokesperson for our great Order.

Have comments or want to send a picture of you in your Grange attire so I can share it with the world?  Email me today!