My Grandson's First Visit to Clemson Last Saturday

Oct 28, 2014, 9:43 AM

My thirteen year old Grandson, Lucas, and I departed LAX on Friday morning (his first flight) and landed in ATL at 2:30. Then drove to Anderson to spend the next two nights with my Dad. Upon arrival in Anderson Friday evening, Lucas met his great-grand-father for the first time. He told Dad that he was honored to finally get to meet him. His sister had represented her family at my daughters' weddings in recent years and had returned to Los Angeles telling her family all about PaPa. Lucas told PaPa that he had never heard his sister speak so positive about anyone before.

We made a quick run by the Anderson Mall Saturday morning to buy Lucas an orange Clemson tee-shirt to wear to the game. I had told Lucas on the flight from LAX that PaPa isn't able to attend Clemson games anymore which he had been disappointed to hear. Lucas and I arrived for the game at 1:30 Saturday afternoon and spent the next nine hours absorbing Clemson University. On our flight back to Los Angeles Sunday afternoon, I asked Lucas to share with me those things that he liked best about Clemson:

1. In his own words, he said he liked how such a large crowd of people were one entity throughout the game. It was hard for him to describe this, but easy to know exactly what he was saying.

2. He listed tailgating next and was impressed that two individuals who I had never met seemed to know his name and where he was from before he had said a word. (Thanks Rudlinda and nctigergirl) The fire engine painted in Clemson colors in one lot on our walk to downtown caught his eye, just as the Paw Bearer Hearse did on our walk back to the car after the game.

3. He was particularly impressed with the majorette twirling three batons with fire on both ends during the game.

4. He mentioned really liking the Calhoun Mansion. I already knew this, because after touring the house for 20 minutes, I had asked Lucas if he was ready to go and he had said there was a room he had missed and that we needed to go back around one more time.

5. He said he liked the reflection pool in front of the library.

I then asked Lucas what else he liked best about his trip. He said meeting PaPa and getting a picture flying over the Mississippi River on Friday. I then asked Lucas if he had ever thought much about attending college some day. He said, not really, until now.

I had always heard that he was not a very good student. So I asked Lucas how many different president's did John C. Calhoun serve under as vice-president. He immediately said, two. I said that I believe that's right, but that I did not remember their names. He said he didn't either, but that he would look it up on the internet when he gets home.

Lucas's grandmother (my wife Elva of seven years) was waiting for us at LAX to pick us up at 6:30 pm PDT (9:30 pm back in Anderson and Clemson). His Mom, Step-Dad, and little Brother were waiting at our house to pick Lucas up and drive to their home out in the San Fernando Valley. As they were getting in the car, I gave Lucas a big hug and told him that this would always be one of my favorite memories of Clemson and how proud I was of him for totally holding up his end of the bargain. He thanked me for taking him.

Did I mention that Lucas was still wearing the orange Clemson tee shirt we had bought Saturday morning?

I called PaPa Sunday night for a quick safe arrival call. On Monday night, I called PaPa again when we could talk a bit longer. I asked PaPa what he thought of Lucas. He said that Lucas was a fine boy, smart as a whip, and that it had been an honor to meet Lucas.

I need to tell Lucas this.

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My Grandson's First Visit to Clemson Last Saturday

Did he boo injured players though?***

Glad he had such a great trip, thats awesome

Re: Did he boo injured players though?***

Not a problem --- I laughed at the injured players

Sorry I offended you

No problem for me --- I did have to explain to Lucas why I

My gradnfather (Clemson class of 1924)...

Re: My Grandson's First Visit to Clemson Last Saturday

POTD...have been looking forward to your post game report***

Re: My Grandson's First Visit to Clemson Last Saturday

You live in the San Fernando Valley?

What did he think of the Esso Club?

There were many teachable moments --- You reminded me

The Flaming Batons

Re: My Grandson's First Visit to Clemson Last Saturday

He didn't mention all the good looking Clemson ladies?***

See "fire-twirling majorette"***

I believe two fine men are being wasted on Califormia….***

Re: My Grandson's First Visit to Clemson Last Saturday

Re: My Grandson's First Visit to Clemson Last Saturday

Re: My Grandson's First Visit to Clemson ......waiting....

We loved having you stop by!

Thanks again for everything!!!***

You are a lucky man on many counts

TigerBoard POTD