Long Promised Post

So, I promised to tell this story to a friend of mine. She is a tried and true Ole Miss Rebel fan and made the trip to the Compass Bowl this year. The beginning of her trip was a comedy of errors much like my Kentucky story. However, she got a nicer ending for that game!

2008 was not a great year for Auburn football. When the 2009 season started, it was full of hope and promise. My whole family goes together to one game at least each year. When I say whole family, I mean my parents, my sister and brother-in-law, and their twin girls. In 2009, we went to the Kentucky game. Auburn was 5-0 at that point, so we were all very excited. All of my life my parents have taken us to at least one Auburn game a year.We usually sat in the endzone. If it cleared out at the end, we would join my grandparents in the 'good seats.' We also used to park almost RIGHT by the stadium and tailgate with the family there and some of my grandfather's cemetery friends (long story).  After my grandfather died and my grandmother was unable to go to the games, we inherited their season tickets (TUF)

It was a 6:00 kickoff, so we decided to drive up that morning. We weren't sure if we would stay overnight or not. My sister was so excited. It was Emma and Ella's first trip to Auburn. We stopped in Evergreen to eat breakfast, as we almost always do. As soon as we got out of the car in Auburn, Ella got sick. We first thought she might have gotten carsick. Then we thought it was something she ate.

The day was about 25 degrees colder than the weather guys had anticipated. It also rained on and off and there had been NO mention of rain. We planned to eat some sandwiches and stuff my mom made before we went into the stadium-my mom had them in a tote bag. We got separated from each other and if you have ever tried to use your cell phone in Auburn on game day, you probably know its mostly useless anywhere near the stadium. Eventually we did find each other, but it was getting close to kickoff. We rushed through the ticket gate. My mom had her tote bag which had ham sandwiches and other stuff in it. We also had blankets and jackets. We don't normally carry so much stuff, but the twins were only two at the time. Since we were carrying so much toddler paraphernalia, the security folks didn't even check my mom's tote bags. So in we go. We got to our seats and my mom pulls out the ham sandwiches. You have to know that we sit in the 'old' section. It is the gold zone. We aren't in any way rich, but my grandfather made a friend years ago who is an old Auburn pharmacist. So these seats are some of the best in the stadium.  Here were are eating ham sandwiches in the middle of folks that donate tons of money to the university eating ham sandwiches.

Meanwhile, the weather is getting colder and colder. Auburn started off well, but they started to stumble a little later in the game.
Ella was getting sicker and sicker. Melinda (my sis) decided to take her to the first-aid station. The paramedics gave her a little medicine, and Melinda and Terry left to try to find a hotel room. We knew we could not get Ella home that night. (This first year we all went, we went in two vehicles) So, my parents, Emma, and I stay for the rest of the game. The game proceeds to go downhill. Auburn lost in the last minute of the game. We stood up to leave. As we walked toward the concourse, Emma threw up ALL over my dad. I will say, the people who run the concessions and security at the stadium rushed to help us. They brought rolls of paper towels, gatorades, and other things. We cleaned up my dad the best we could. At this time, we didn't know that first aid had given Ella real medicine or we would have taken Emma there as well. We also didn't know that first-aid gave them a ride to their car. It took us nearly an hour to get to the car because Emma kept having to stop to be sick. My mom was trying to help with her. Meanwhile, I am carrying the PILES of blankets and tote bags my mom had brought with us, including one Melinda had carried. To be fair, my mom thought we'd have time to get back to the car earlier. It was SOOOOOOO cold by this time. Did I mention it rained? Auburn lost. We FINALLY got to the hotel with Melinda and Terry where Ella was sleeping peacefully and discovered that the light in the bathroom didn't work among other things wrong with the room. We were all too tired and cold to care.

That was terrible as it was happening, but when we look back on it, it is definitely a family memory. Ella doesn't REALLY remember it, but she thinks to say. When she was 4, she would say, 'Remember when I throwed up at the War Eagle game? I throwed up EBREYWHERE!'

So, there- that is my 2009 AU/Kentucky family story. Thankfully, the very next year, we went to the AU/Arkansas game and saw the game of a lifetime!

A Few Things

First of all, I want to congratulate Ashton Richardson. He was a senior Auburn football player this past year. He was also a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship. He most recently won the Bobby Bowden award, which the Fellowship of Christian Athletes awards to the football player who best epitomizes the 'student athlete'. Ashton's major is Animal Science. His GPA is 3.9. Now, if you aren't familiar, Auburn has one of the best large animal vet programs in the country. I can only imagine how difficult those classes are. He managed these grades while being a starter on the football team. He was a walk-on player originally who was given a scholarship. He worked his way to a football scholarship. He wants to be a horse surgeon. He balanced being a great student, a hard worker, a team leader, and a starter without getting in trouble or causing any problem. In fact, he was winning awards that honored his work ethic and grades. What a guy! Congratulations, Ashton. I wish you the best of luck in life and all of your endeavors. If I ever own a horse, I would be sure to take that horse to Ashton if the horse needed surgery.

This part is much harder for me to write. My parents have a neighbor who have a grandson with leukemia. I went to school with his uncle. His dad is quite a bit older than me, so I don't really remember. In 2011, Harrison was diagnosed with leukemia. I have followed the story with others in my community. Harrison and his family live in North Carolina, but there are many of us that know his uncle, grandparents, and some know his dad. Harrison is actually doing quite well, but he is currently on an adventure from the Make-A-Wish foundation. His whole family was flown to Miami for the national championship game.Today, Harrison's dad posted pictures. They met some of the Notre Dame players today, Coach Saban, Kirk Herbstreit, and more I am sure. They got to see the College Gameday set. It looks like an amazing experience. No one deserves it  more than this family. They have stared this cancer in the face and fought with everything they have. Harrison has been strong and brave. He is worthy of hero status. This family has kept God at the front of everything. I know that this has been a topic of discussion recently about whether God cares about outcomes of football games. I don't think He cares about the game, but I know He cares about His children. I have been raised to root against Alabama really. However tomorrow night, I want whoever Harrison is cheering for to win. Believe me, this is hard for me to say. (Special thanks here to Chad Gibbs and his book 'God and Football- I don't think I could have done this without some of the words and points in his book) Since there are picture of his family adorned in the crimson and white with that familiar curly A; I guess I know who I want to win. So for this one night and one night only, Roll Tide, Harrison.

If you want to read more about his family, his dad maintains a blog at http://www.stevemckinion.com
You can find them on Facebook at Pray for Harrison

Thank You Seniors '12

I have developed a personal tradition of writing a post of personal thanks for each senior Auburn football player. This year was a tough one, but the seniors fought through. These players have seen the highs and lows of life and college football. I love that they allow us feel like we are a part of things or 'know' them through social media or other outlets.  As always, we as fans, have favorite players, so there may be players I know about more than others. That doesn't mean that I am not grateful for each and every player on the roster. The players are listed in order of their jersey numbers.

At any rate, here we go:

DeAngelo Benton:  I know things happened in your life this year that weren't the way you would have chosen. I am so thankful you stuck with the team. I appreciate your dedication to the team and to Auburn. I thank you for your time at Auburn. I hope good things happen for you in your life.

Anthony Morgan:  I always enjoy reading your twitter posts. I know you probably didn't play as much as you wanted to, but I enjoyed watching you play when you did.  A team doesn't work without all of the parts so your dedication mattered. I thank you for your time of service to Auburn.

Ikeem Means: I think you will have a successful life.  You did make a difference at Auburn. I wish you nothing but success. Thank you for your time of service to Auburn.  I know that there will be  many good times to look back on and remember. We thank you.

T'Sharvan Bell:  You really worked to step up as a leader this year. I know that it may not have seemed like it mattered much, but down the line, the legacy you left will make a difference.  I won't ever forget seeing you take the Bama quarterback to the ground to basically seal the game. You played your heart out every time you set foot on the field. Thanks for everything you did for Auburn.

Onterio McCalebb: I often use you as an example to my students for overcoming obstacles. I remember watching you the first time I saw you in person at the Auburn/MS State game in 09. Anytime you got a chance to dazzle the crowd, you did it. You did it with class. You always credited your teammates. Thanks for everything you did for Auburn. I look forward to hearing about great things from you .

Daren Bates: I bet it doesn't feel like you are nearly finished. Your still-arm play this year was amazing!!! There were many times I saw you make some terrific plays. I appreciate your quiet leadership that you lent to Auburn for the last few years. Your playing was outstanding as well. I hope that good things happen in your life.  Thank you so much for everything you did for Auburn.

Jonathan Evans: I saw you play a few times in high school. I so enjoyed seeing you at Auburn. I hope you are able to move on to great things. Your time at Auburn did make a difference. You paved the path for others. I appreciate you and look forward to seeing great things from you.  I hope all of your dreams come true. Maybe one day another player from Blount will say you inspired him.

Philip Lutzenkirchen:  I've got an unusual last name, so I always felt sort of connected to you. You've been a shining light at Auburn, both on and off the field. you have demonstrated leadership beyond measure. I was sick when I heard you were out for the rest of the season! I hope you heal quickly and are able to move on to the things you want to do. There are so many favorite plays of yours, but what I appreciate most from you is the class and leadership and Christian walk you demonstrated at Auburn. (OK, maybe I remember the touchdown at Alabama and the little dance!)  I hope that WONDERFUL things happen for you. I can't wait to hear about you in the future.

Ashton Richardson: Your story is another one I love- a walk on later earning a scholarship! You demonstrated a never quit attitude that was clear. Your leadership was something that helped the team many ways. I am super impressed that you interviewed for the Rhodes Scholarship. I hope all of your dreams come true. I can't WAIT to hear about the things that you do. I know they will be great!!

John Sullen: Your little smile is too cute!! You have been a steady person on the team. I appreciate the plays and the leadership that you demonstrated in the team. I hope that terrific things happen for you. Thanks for everything you did for Auburn. I appreciate it. Let us hear from you.

Jamar Travis:  I've said this before, but I don't think that a team works without all of the parts. I appreciate your effort and your love for Auburn. Your time did make a difference. Thank you for your service to Auburn. We will never forget your graduating class.

Emory Blake: Wow! What a career! You have been impressive both on and off the field. I HATE to lose you!  I remember one of your first touchdowns when you pumped your arm in excitement! I loved it! I love how you have tried to be a good teammate. You've been supportive of the team, both players and coaches. I think any NFL team would be CRAZY not to take you! I appreciate your time and effort and love for Auburn.  Thank you so much for everything you've done for Auburn.

Travante Stallworth: I always thought your twitter name was so funny. I appreciate everything you have done for Auburn. Your time and effort has been appreciated. Thank you so much for your time, leadership and love for Auburn. It seems like yesterday that your class started at Auburn. Thank you so much.

To all of the players- please come back to Auburn often. We love and support all of you. We will always be a part of a family through the good times and bad times. I love Auburn and I know all of you do, too. Stay in touch and visit often! War Eagle over and over again!

So, I haven't blogged in a while. First, why can't Internet people just leave things alone!!! They have to change constantly so we have to re-figure it out. Grrr.

Wanted to say thanks for people who prayed for my kiddos. Most of the seniors passed. 2 didn't. One of those, we will be able to make some accommodations in order for him to walk at graduation. It's complicated and I can't go into it too much. However, he is planning to test again so he can complete his regular diploma.

The other won't be able to walk at graduation. He only came to us part way through this year. He took the test again today, so hopefully he will have passed when the scores come in the summer. He is also planning to test until he passes. I think if he had come to us sooner, we might have been able to help him more. I honestly thought he would pass.

It's tough to tell them. However, I was very happy to tell those that did pass. Thanks for the prayers!

Prayers Needed

OK, my friends.

I have 6 students that need prayer. Next Monday and Tuesday they take a test that will affect graduation. I have one more week to work with them. Please pray that we have an effective and productive week. Please be be praying for them to be free from distraction and focused. Also, pray for them to be free from fear. There are the students initials...JG, CS, JJ, DM, JW, MD. Another student, TD has to take one in Biology, but I don't teacher her anymore. All 7 have a test to pass. There are 5 they must pass to graduate. All of these kiddos have passed all but one. They will have one more chance, but if they don't pass next week, they won't have the scores back in time for the graduation ceremony. If on the 2nd try they pass, they will get diplomas over the summer, but please pray that we knock this out next week and get these kids ready for the world. If you know me at all, you know how much I care and love my kiddos. Thanks so much for your prayers.
Love to you all,
Christy

The Best of College Sports

This afternoon, I witnessed (not in person, unfortunately) one of the greatest things I have seen in college sports in a long time. Today was the last game of the regular season for Auburn. It was also a home game, so that meant it was Senior Night. This is a team that has not been successful with the 'W', but they have never quit fighting. There were so many games they were RIGHT on the edge.

This afternoon, however, the won.  Here is where the great moment came in. It was nearly the end of the game. It was somewhat locked up that Auburn would win. The student section started chanting, 'We want Jake!! We want Jake!'  They were referring to Jake Drum, a walk- on (non sports-scholarship) Senior. He hasn't played any this season. I am not sure if he has played any other time before. When I could hear the uproar of the crowd, I knew he was going in, even though I couldn't see him yet.

So, in goes Jake. Lo and behold, he grabs a 'steal' and they moved it down the court. The ball is passed to Jake, and he goes up for a shot and is fouled. Then, he gets to go to the free throw line. I was sitting on my coffee table with tears in my eyes, pleading that he make his shots. He does!!! The student section (known as The Jungle) goes wild! It was really a special moment to watch, even on television. I love the underdog, and this kid scoring definitely fits as underdog in my eyes. I love sports anyway, especially college sports, and this is one of the reasons why I love it so much.

Then, he becomes a trending topic on twitter. So, if you saw, 'Jake Drum' (drumsanity) trending on twitter, now you know why.

Here goes my thanks list to the Auburn basketball Seniors:
Kenny Gabriel- You fought for what you wanted. Your path wasn't easy. You showed us high-flying acts of slam-dunking greatness, even when other things weren't great on the court. Thanks for your hard work and love for Auburn. I admire your dedication to the team and the university. Congrats on a win for the end of the season. Best wishes for a successful career.

Adrian Forbes- I don't know any backstory on you. However, I knw it was probably not the easiest path for you. You also showed great moments of basketball. You remained dedicated to your team. Thank you for being an Auburn man for this team. Congrats on the win today and best of luck in the future.

Tony Neysmith- I think you have a pretty cool name. There were probably times that you wanted to give in, but you did not. Hard work and dedication mean more than other things sometimes, even a W. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.

Jake Drum- It takes a lot to be a walk on for a college team. There is a lot of practice time. You didn't get the glory, and you didn't get your school paid for as others have. You didn't quit though. I am so glad you got a shining moment today. You deserve it. Thanks for being an Auburn man. I wish I could have seen it in person today.

A Dedicated Life

I have posted some things recently, but I was not trying to be cryptic. I typed out the entire story earlier, but it deleted accidentally. I am not retyping the whole thing. Basically, I was giving the chain of events that happened in Mobile on Friday night. A young man was being taken into custody when he stabbed a police officer in the neck and killed him. The suspect was later killed in a standoff, but you can go to http://www.wkrg.com/ or  http://www.local15tv.com/ to get the whole story. It was a scary evening. Officer Green was laid to rest today. He leaves behind a wife, three children, his brothers and sisters on the force, friends, and a church family. We don't often have officers killed in the line of duty here, so it has been hard on the community. It was a very disturbing chain of events. May God bless and comfort his family.