Prayer Request (A Small One)

Oct 16, 2009, 10:30 AM

Dear TigerNet,

I am not sure why I am posting this now, but I finally wanted to get this off my mind. I have been a Tiger fan my whole life, my blood runs ORANGE. I love all things Clemson, even though I was not fortunate enough to go there, my niece will be graduating from there soon. From my username and stats, you can see that I have been a member on here a long time, but rarely post. I lurk here daily. My father also frequents this site everyday, asking me things like, "did you read Mickey's Blog today?" or "did you see that funny post by Rev Dodd?" and other various things like that where we would discuss things about this site and Clemson Football, Basketball, Baseball, etc. My parents have been Tiger fans their entire lives, from the lean 1970''s and the GREAT 1980's. I digress.
Growing up as a teenager, my father and I did not see eye to eye on much of anything but Clemson Athletics. I suspect that goes for many households. I see it played out in the movies with boys and their dads with major league baseball as well. My dad and I could always come to Death Valley and the world was right and the schoolwork (or lack of it), work, life was forgotten if only momentarily. That trend continued into my adulthood. We have always had differing opinions of things in the world, but when we come to see our Clemson Tigers play all is right with the world again. We used to shake hands when we would score, but one cold night, November 18, 2000, Rod Gardner caught the Catch II from Woody Dantzler and Aaron Hunt kicked the winning field goal over USC, we started a new tradition of hugging after a big score. This would eventually mold the father/son relationship into its present day form, proving that sports can sometimes help bond people together.
This year we were talking about high expectations at my 40th birthday party with Dabo coming in, CJ's last year as a Tiger, and our best opportunity in years to make it to the ACC Championship game. This June, two weeks after my 40th birthday, my father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. It has been really tough, as many of you have probably faced the same challenges. At first, I could not even read about Clemson in the sports section of the newspaper without breaking down. Then the first game of the year came, and I barely made it through the first quarter. I have yet to make it through any game this year without any tears. My next quest is being able to listen to Tiger Rag and the tailgating CD I made for us that we always listened to going to and from the Clemson. I haven't been able to even look at it yet. It's filled with Beach Music (his favorite), some Rock Music (my favorite), and some Light Rock (a compromise).
Two weeks ago my mother asked me to go to the Wake Forest game this weekend and I agreed. She stopped going to the big games so that I could go instead and spend time with my dad. She goes to the "smaller games" like Coastal Carolina and the like. She loves going as much as my father and I, but gave us that opportunity to share time together in our otherwise busy lives. This game will be hard for both of us. I think if we can get through the driving part and get to the tailgating, we might be alright. I know that as soon as I see Death Valley at game time, with the band marching, the Tigers at the top of the Hill, the chills will start to crawl up my spine as they always do. Then, as the cannon booms, and my Tigers run down the Hill, so will the tears down my face. My emotions will be both happy and sad. Happy to be back in Death Valley and see the Tigers play again. I will be happy to be watching it with my mom, but I will be sad that my father isn't there to watch it with us, though he may have the best seat in the house.
The prayer request (a small one) I have for you, is that if you are there tomorrow afternoon in Death Valley or watching it on TV, send a small prayer to help me and my mom get through Running Down the Hill, Opening Kickoff, and the first quarter. After that, I hope we will be OK, and we can all yell our heads off, cheer, and show our support for our beloved Tigers (and Dabo and the rest of the coaching staff).
Tomorrow when I am tailgating with my mom, I will toast a Sam Adams to my father, a great man whose veins ran with Orange Blood, last voice might have been "Go Tigers!", and a last wish would be for an ACC/National Championship. Whenever we make a great play or score, I shall start another NEW tradition of hugging my mom and looking to the sky at my dad, and whisper the words "Go Tigers/I love you dad".

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I apologize that it's so long. Go Tigers,

TigerTrue2

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Prayer Request (A Small One)

Good story, prayers are with you***

Done***

Done!!

Great post. Be glad you and your Dad mended the fences

Amen and Amen....it is TRULY a special place

No apologies necessary...

Re: Prayer Request (A Small One)

done***

Re: Prayer Request (A Small One)

My Dad died in 1993, Clemson grad of 1951. I don't

Re: Prayer Request (A Small One)

Done***

Done***

i will be there tomorrow with you. I'll pray for you as well***

There are no requests too small for prayer...

Re: Prayer Request (A Small One)

Re: Prayer Request (A Small One)

Re: Prayer Request (A Small One)

Re: Prayer Request (A Small One)

Posts like this are why a "Hall of Fame" was created on this

Tremendous story....***

Done***

Great Story

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