Replies: 3
| visibility 251
|
All-TigerNet [13105]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 14733
Joined: 11/5/01
|
Feels like an eclipse day, circa 2003...
9
9
Sep 23, 2023, 9:39 AM
|
|
My son took the fast train out of the world 5 years ago today. Alex bled orange. He loved Clemson sports and skateboarding around campus as a kid. By the time he was 18, he had spent more time on the Clemson campus than most graduates.
In 2003, I took Alex to his first night game. I picked a good one versus FSU. We had our best time together as Father and Son that day and night. We cheered, screamed, laughed, and even shed a few tears of happiness near the end. At his insistence, the evening ended with us following the throng of students carrying the goalpost downtown.
I'm old school, and my favorite games attended were always the '76 Clemson vs. South Carolina, '81 UGA, '82 Orange Bowl and '87 UGA. As time moves on, however, the significance of 2003 FSU game in my personal life squarely places it at the top of the heap.
Enjoy today's game and cheer loud for a Clemson victory, but mostly enjoy the company of the loved one(s) accompanying you. Once the game is in the record books and the years have passed, the memories of great fellowship, good times and better people, will transcend everything else.
I know. I've been to the mountain top, through the depths of hell, and finally to a peaceful valley home. From this place, I am able to remember it all...with perspective.
In memory of Alex N. Rankin, December 13, 1991-September 23, 2018 Our Dear Son of Old Clemson
1-2-3-4 In Cadence Count
|
|
|
![](https://2cic.b-cdn.net/t/forum/b.gif) |
Orange Blooded [4821]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 6171
Joined: 9/16/06
|
Re: Feels like an eclipse day, circa 2003...
1
Sep 23, 2023, 10:48 AM
|
|
Sorry for your loss, may God bless you…
|
|
|
|
![](https://2cic.b-cdn.net/t/forum/b.gif) |
Orange Blooded [3047]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 1258
Joined: 5/17/04
|
Loudest stadium I have ever been in. That night in 2003 was electric.
1
Sep 23, 2023, 10:52 AM
|
|
We will win today!
Thinking of you and Alex, praying for you.
|
|
|
|
![](https://2cic.b-cdn.net/t/forum/b.gif) |
Asst Coach [712]
TigerPulse: 98%
Posts: 1037
Joined: 9/9/23
|
Re: Feels like an eclipse day, circa 2003...
1
Sep 23, 2023, 10:53 AM
|
|
My heart goes out to you. Sons are special. Mine is young, and the pride I feel when I see him smile is indescribable. No one deserves to go through what you have. Hope the Tigers can win one today in his memory.
Go Tigers
|
|
|
|
Replies: 3
| visibility 251
|
|
|