Fourteen weeks ago, we suffered an immeasurable loss to our Auburn
Family. Rod and Paula were called home leaving two children, family, friends
and the Auburn Family in shock. This is right after in my humble opinion was the most
amazing year in Auburn Athletics history.
As the game started yesterday, for the first time in 24
years of marriage, my wife and I sat down next to each other to watch Auburn
Football. You see, I tend to scream and get loud but yesterday was not about the
outcome it was about being able to share. To share the moments that would be
unfolding in the game. We watched the team and the institution we both graduated from and
love. A week ago, we got a sobering reality check that we are lucky to even be
here sharing this moment.
I was not able to do the 100’s of the tweets during the
game, I am not back there yet, giving status, graphics and my opinion (which is
only that) about what is going on. I am just not fully there yet, but I did follow
my feed by reading what others were tweeting. Al Kotero had to remind everyone football was a 4 Quarter game 😀
The message is simple, and I tweeted it yesterday but wanted
to put it in a post, so it did not fly by on a feed. I believe it is that
important.
Live the experiences and moments in life to their fullest
always believing, hoping and supporting. There will be ups and downs but
always, always know that if you believe and are a supporter when things
bounce back the triumphs are a thousand times sweeter… don’t take for granted the
ability to be here, in the now, with your family and friends sharing in what you love
and are passionate about.
We know it can all change in a second...
Some took to twitter in the first half expressing opinions
and feedback, it is absolutely your right to do so. I can tell you as my wife
and I sat watching, believing and knowing that we are Auburn, and this is just
what Auburn does. We just believed and were supporting our coaches and players
for better outcomes, wanting the defense to shake it off and get a stop, and
they did. Knowing that they would and could turn it around and that just being
able to watch football again was honestly a blessing within itself.
Be positive, believe and supportive. I guarantee you that
our players and coaches do not go and get on that field in front of the hundreds
of thousands if not millions of fans to fail. They want to win. Positivity
breeds positive outcomes. Yes, this may be sunshine pumping, but I will tell
you, feel blessed and thankful that you get to share that sunshine today with
your loved ones. Feel blessed, we all are to be a part of the Auburn Family.
War Eagle
P.S.
A couple of game comments and shout outs.
Bo Nix, way to never lose your confidence, you stood there
and believed, Gus believes, your Dad believes and not that it matters but I saw
you handle yourself in adversity and I believe.
Joey Gatewood, thank you, without you, we do not win. You
showed me you are a team player, I am excited to see more of you in the weeks
to come.
Boobie, Kam, Eli, Seth, Sal, Spencer, Eli and everyone else way to hold onto the rock!
Big Kat way to run!
Defense, if they are the best offensive line in college
football, feed the next 11 games!
Offensive line, you know what you need to do, get it done! I
believe in you all! Be better than yesterday!
Andy Burcham, God bless you and the strength you show, great
calls, awesome energy, sending you a big Auburn Family hug.
R.I.P. Rod and Paula
