Ian,
I know that you end up being an Aggie, you started as a Longhorn. Mom and I started as Aggies and then became Longhorns. Caylea and Danny - seemed to just start and stick with the burnt orange.
Your relationship with UT really began in front of a TV watching the 2005 National Championship game. You could often be a "bandwagoner" and were definitely cheering for Reggie Bush and USC. We did not watch a great deal of football over the years - compared with basketball - but this was a game we watch, as usual, with the Mundells. You were in 5th grade - and it was the biggest stage. I chose to root for UT - because it was Texas and not a silver spoon school in SoCal. Kurt was with you and USC - he always has an opinion. Mike and Danny really didn't care - to my memory. The game was - epic. You talked trash about how great Matt Leinart and Reggie were - that UT had no chance. It looked like you were right for much of the game, although UT kept it close. When it seemed USC was destined to win, UT won on the brilliant scramble by Vince Young as time ran out. We all were exhausted by the game. We chattered about the game for days. None of us could guess we would be in Austin in a little more than a year.
Indeed, we moved into Austin in July 2006. I was thrilled to have a job, and was a big "joineriner" to match your "bandwagoner" self. I remember buying you a UT basketball jersey during one of my visits for the UT job - #10. You were thrilled and wore it proudly with your friends. You researched Longhorn basketball and informed me that the National Player of the Year - TJ Ford was from UT. That was exciting to you for sure.
UT was introduced first at Memorial Student Center - the Underground and blacklight bowling. That was a favorite pastime - we even did one of your birthday parties in Jr. High there. We crowded 25+ friends around two lanes, then the air hockey tables, etc. We opened gifts and celebrated - some of your friends though it was old hat, but others seemed to have their first deep UT experience at that party.
We attended some UT home games that first year - before getting season tickets. They were the "wait in line" random tickets. I remember one set we were on the 20 yard line, student side maybe 15 rows from the bottom. How we got those tickets - I will never know. That was Colt McCoy's record setting freshman year. How we loved watching Colt run the Longhorn offense. I remember two things - first, a long pass Colt threw after a turnover - long pass to the wide receiver. He seemed to catch it right in front of us, elude the tackle and score! We high fived and rejoiced. The Horns were running away with the game, so we scooted down to the front of the stadium and saw how BIG the players really were. I was a little intimidated. You wanted to play football.
On Halloween night in 2006, Danny was in from California - and you were dying to see the Horns basketball team. They had an exhibition game that night. Danny, Caylea and I wanted to walk on 6th Street and see the weird people - Mom was unsure, but you had to see the game. We went - it was a free game and we sat on the first deck - the family behind and you and I up as close as possible. They introduced the UT team, four freshman and a sophomore. I asked you if this was the "B" team and you were quick to tell me that this guy Kevin Durant was rated as the top recruit in the US and chose UT. From that night on - we saw every UT homegame that season watching another UT freshman rewrite the record books - Durant. Your first introduction to Texas A&M was another epic, 3 overtime game, between UT and A&M - actually Durant versus AC Law. Durant and Law poured in shots from 3 point land, exchanging buckets, playing each other on defense, and no one could stop either player. Finally, UT pulled it out in the third overtime. I still remember the good hearted competition between the schools - the Aggie War Hymn, and we ALWAYS stayed to sing the "Eyes of Texas" with the Horns after a game. Football games, we loved walking across campus, after singing the "Eyes" and seeing the Tower lit up orange signifying a win. We never won a National Championship - came close twice with Colt, but always short. Bummer. Watching Alabama play UT was interesting. You really liked Trent Richardson - who won the Heisman. You seemed to root for Alabama - urked me. Early, the game looked to be ours - but Colt was bizarrely hurt and we never could capitalize on turnovers to build up a lead to win. Alas, Alabama was victorious; Richardson was the hero; you made sure I remembered who you predicted would win!
With Jr High activities and High School, time to go to football games, basketball games or other things at UT became more rare. Only once did we go to the Cactus Cafe, but we continued to watch several UT football games each year - you would often invite Jonathan, Jimmy, Max, etc. to go with us. One game, you and Max were going and were wearing random shirts - we stopped at the COOP and bought you both UT shirts - we had to come early, stay late, be loud and wear orange! It was in Jr. High that you went to your first A&M game. You went with Adam Lawson and his father who had season tickets. You were committed to wear UT orange proudly to show off to the Ags. Mom encouraged you to embrace the experience. You DID! It was one of those games that the Ags were blown off the field in the first half, but came back to tie at the end of the game. The overtime victory took two or three periods. So the game was exciting, but the weather was HOT!!! It was something like 105 there - by the end of the game, the few fans remaining, you among them, traveled around the stadium in unison with clouds and shade. Mom and I watched the game on TV - it was hilarious. You came home exhausted, but I could see that the Aggie experience had grabbed you - you were destined to be an Ag from that time forward.
Much like your sister, UT was viewed as not that special and going off to other schools, Pittsburgh or A&M was much more exciting. But Mr. Farrar gave you a tour and you saw the campus with new eyes and wanted to attend. Bummer they gave you the "go to UTSA freshman year" then apply to UT Austin option. Going to Gateway and having a true freshman experience at A&M was too good to pass up. So almost went to a UT, but alas, no.
You did take your Senior Pictures and our Family pictures around campus - among other places. poising in front of the church across from campus was not so memorable - the pictures were not as "cool" as we thought they could be - but they were evocative. Indeed, they were perfect as we remembered your heart. The family pictures were such fun - we poised, you clowned, Caylea stressed to go back to class, and you and Danny and Caylea were the perfect trinity of kids - beautiful/handsome, fun, smart and loving. What great memories and pictures to boot.
You would bring your friends from A&M to see Austin - Mt. Bonnell, Zilker, UT campus to see the Tower and poise for pictures with your Gig 'Em thumbs up. You and Will attended the Thanksgiving game in 2012 - UT versus TCU. It was a BAD UT game, but you cousins had a great time as you showed him around the campus and the stadium. The last significant time at UT was Easter this year - we were at the Erwin Center, where we watched so many games, but the Stone was having the big Easter Service. Mom and Caylea were working with kids, so you, Brenda and I worshiped together. It was a long year - going to get MUCH longer - but worship was a release. You were so honest, so involved - I was inspired. We left and Brenda asked me to take your picture with her looking over the city. We then met at Taco More to prove to Brenda Austin had authentic Mexican food.
I think back and remember the laughs, the smiles, the walks, the sports and life conversations, the bad bowling, the friends, the singing, the great player and games - I mainly remember my son - who went with me to events at UT, who was my friend, my companion, whose presence allowed me to see more and do more. Oh how I wish you stayed home!!! How I wish you were a Longhorn. Maybe you would be reading this with me and we would be joking and laughing. But God had other plans, glorious plans to send you to A&M and you transformed lives showing the Gospel in everything you did there - impacting more lives in one year than I have in seven in Austin. What do I say Ian - I miss you more than words can say, but I am thankful that we shared so much at UT. Seeing the campus, the buildings, the games, reminds me of these times and my tears may fall, but my heart is thankful.
Love you E,
Dad
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
The Rec
Ian,
The Rec always was important to you - from our first visit to College Station, that was THE place you wanted to visit. I was busy pushing to see the Memorial Student Center, Kyle Field, Sully, the Bonfire Memorial - we did see these things, but you wanted to visit the Rec. A cute girl - a friend of a friend - gave us a tour, but you wanted to know more about the Rec and working out - not her. You could obsess about things! We arrived that first time at the Rec and we asked if we could go on a tour. They let us wander around. How thrilled you were to see the size, complexity and variety in the weight room. We were not to "lift" and I could barely keep you off the machines and the weights. We then looked at the rachetball courts, running track, swimming pool. They loaned us a basketball and we shot together. I remembered all the evenings we played basketball in the driveway - shooting, playing one on one, watching you with your friends play, dunk contests. It all flooded back to me - those day were so precious, but you were moving on. What thankfulness welled up in my heart for you, for the things we shared, and we shot, played a little one on one, and you beat me silly!!!
When you moved in to the dorm for Gateway, it was all I could do to keep you focused - get your ID, get your key, move your stuff in, arrange the room - because you wanted to immediately go to the Rec. The prospect of that weight room being yours - was too much for you to handle. That first evening, we attended the event at the Alumni Center. Tons of people were there and we were "cross dressed" nice enough to be there, but ready for the Rec. We poised for pictures under the Big Ring. I wanted a picture with you and you practically crawled in my arms and flung yourself back - the picture was dark, but I think it captures our laughter and joy. I was intent on you seeing the things in the Center - you were concerned with the girls greeting everyone. It was hot, College Station hot, and you waited in the long concession line to get punch and cookies for the girls. They were shocked that someone was serving them! Let alone such a cute freshman guy - I bet each rethought their boundaries to date freshman at that moment. Once again, the picture I have does not capture their surprise, their joy - but it shows your perceptive and generous heart. Makes a dad very proud! We looked at history of the rings and then headed to the Rec - our real goal all along.
The Rec weight room was all you dreamed it to be - many options for machines, free weights, and other workout equipment. We worked out hard - following your regime and then you wanted to run. How I hate running - how I wish I ran with you more - but we ran and ran. I was amazed with your energy and endurance. I was sucking wind and you were sprinting. What a physical specimen you were! After the Rec we retired to the dorm room. Your roommate was staying with friends and so he let me sleep in his bunk. We had them maximally high so the desks had max head room. We seemed 12 inches from the ceiling and NO guard rail. I tucked in my sheets on the non-wall side to help prevent the long fall to the floor.
The next morning we got up and did breakfast in dorm area and headed to Gateway activities. That evening it was back to the Rec. The walk from Kyle field, under Welborne, emerging looking at the parking garage ahead and the path to the Rec to the left is impressed on my mind. It was our daily path leading to our routine of working out and running. We tried to finish all our list - get you registered with the disabilities office - I don't think that ever got finished. We saw presentations about the Corps, classes, student services. I thought you may rethink and join the Corps for a day. But that passed. Each morning and afternoon we threw the blue frisbee in the Quad outside the Corps dorms. Sometimes people would join in, most of the time they would watch. I was so proud that my son would play with me still - that he would focus this time with me. What a son! We also threw the disc as you went to class and I hung out waiting for you to finish. I still remember after you signed up for classes, I was to head back to Austin and you planned to head back to the Rec that evening.
From Tresten and Brendon, etc., once in Moses, you continued the Rec activities. We worked out when we moved you in - Mom took a break, but we walked through the passage under Welborn and to the Rec and back. It was a longer walk for sure from Moses. But to you, the Rec was worth every step. We texted about your workouts during your time in College Station; we discussed by phone; you apparently were a legend there.
On Parent's Weekend, we worked out the last time together at the Rec. I ran from the B&B to meet you and Brenda there. I ran under the passage again, noting the bikes, the people trafficking around me - I was intent on seeing you. We met - you were late - Brenda looking so proud to be with you. We discussed workout strategies. For the first time, you agreed to follow mine. We used a 30 lb dumbell as a kettlebell and did my full cardio weight workout. Brenda used a smaller weight. You were exhausted as we finished. I tried to act like I was okay - but I was worn out too. You then insisted that we finish with deadlifts - something that you were focused on recently. They nearly wiped me out. We waited to finish with pull ups - you were impressive with your form and number as always - at the end of the workout no less! I struggled. Brenda finished strong. We parted ways and you headed back to the dorm to clean up. Our evening at the coffee shop and the next day will be part of another story. But our time at the Rec was awesome.
Coming back to the Rec this past week for the blood drive was tough. I did not realize that I parked Danny and I such that we had to walk next to the passage under Welborn. The thought, the vision, the feeling of walking with you through this passage so many times to the Rec overwhelmed me. I could not, would not again. Danny and I entered the Rec and were greeted by your friends - they love and miss you greatly. During the drive that provided materials for 90 people, girls you smiled at in Moses, people who heard about you, people alerted by the University President's Tweets, your closest friends all came and gave. Trestin, John and others looked more buff than ever - following your example working out at the Rec. You loved smoothies and we bought Smoothie King for everyone. A small gift in response to their gift. Jeremy the managr of Smoothie King told mom and I how you visited him every day in Sbisa. You bought a smoothie every few days, but always said Hello. We know you talked about working there often. He spoke of what a quality young man you were - one that stuck out in his memory and his saddness learning that you have gone home. I wandered around the Rec - reliving our lifts, our runs, our basketball, our watching racketball players, swimmers - it was overwhelming the sweet memories that flooded back. How I miss you Ian - I have no words. I walked to move Danny's car and paused at the passageway - remembering again our walks for a year - from our first visits to April - to go to the Rec. I swelled with pride in who you are, with the lives you have impacted, the joys we shared.
Thank you Ian for sharing the Rec with me. There is so much more, but this is a start to keep these memories alive.
Love you Ian,
dad
The Rec always was important to you - from our first visit to College Station, that was THE place you wanted to visit. I was busy pushing to see the Memorial Student Center, Kyle Field, Sully, the Bonfire Memorial - we did see these things, but you wanted to visit the Rec. A cute girl - a friend of a friend - gave us a tour, but you wanted to know more about the Rec and working out - not her. You could obsess about things! We arrived that first time at the Rec and we asked if we could go on a tour. They let us wander around. How thrilled you were to see the size, complexity and variety in the weight room. We were not to "lift" and I could barely keep you off the machines and the weights. We then looked at the rachetball courts, running track, swimming pool. They loaned us a basketball and we shot together. I remembered all the evenings we played basketball in the driveway - shooting, playing one on one, watching you with your friends play, dunk contests. It all flooded back to me - those day were so precious, but you were moving on. What thankfulness welled up in my heart for you, for the things we shared, and we shot, played a little one on one, and you beat me silly!!!
When you moved in to the dorm for Gateway, it was all I could do to keep you focused - get your ID, get your key, move your stuff in, arrange the room - because you wanted to immediately go to the Rec. The prospect of that weight room being yours - was too much for you to handle. That first evening, we attended the event at the Alumni Center. Tons of people were there and we were "cross dressed" nice enough to be there, but ready for the Rec. We poised for pictures under the Big Ring. I wanted a picture with you and you practically crawled in my arms and flung yourself back - the picture was dark, but I think it captures our laughter and joy. I was intent on you seeing the things in the Center - you were concerned with the girls greeting everyone. It was hot, College Station hot, and you waited in the long concession line to get punch and cookies for the girls. They were shocked that someone was serving them! Let alone such a cute freshman guy - I bet each rethought their boundaries to date freshman at that moment. Once again, the picture I have does not capture their surprise, their joy - but it shows your perceptive and generous heart. Makes a dad very proud! We looked at history of the rings and then headed to the Rec - our real goal all along.
The Rec weight room was all you dreamed it to be - many options for machines, free weights, and other workout equipment. We worked out hard - following your regime and then you wanted to run. How I hate running - how I wish I ran with you more - but we ran and ran. I was amazed with your energy and endurance. I was sucking wind and you were sprinting. What a physical specimen you were! After the Rec we retired to the dorm room. Your roommate was staying with friends and so he let me sleep in his bunk. We had them maximally high so the desks had max head room. We seemed 12 inches from the ceiling and NO guard rail. I tucked in my sheets on the non-wall side to help prevent the long fall to the floor.
The next morning we got up and did breakfast in dorm area and headed to Gateway activities. That evening it was back to the Rec. The walk from Kyle field, under Welborne, emerging looking at the parking garage ahead and the path to the Rec to the left is impressed on my mind. It was our daily path leading to our routine of working out and running. We tried to finish all our list - get you registered with the disabilities office - I don't think that ever got finished. We saw presentations about the Corps, classes, student services. I thought you may rethink and join the Corps for a day. But that passed. Each morning and afternoon we threw the blue frisbee in the Quad outside the Corps dorms. Sometimes people would join in, most of the time they would watch. I was so proud that my son would play with me still - that he would focus this time with me. What a son! We also threw the disc as you went to class and I hung out waiting for you to finish. I still remember after you signed up for classes, I was to head back to Austin and you planned to head back to the Rec that evening.
From Tresten and Brendon, etc., once in Moses, you continued the Rec activities. We worked out when we moved you in - Mom took a break, but we walked through the passage under Welborn and to the Rec and back. It was a longer walk for sure from Moses. But to you, the Rec was worth every step. We texted about your workouts during your time in College Station; we discussed by phone; you apparently were a legend there.
On Parent's Weekend, we worked out the last time together at the Rec. I ran from the B&B to meet you and Brenda there. I ran under the passage again, noting the bikes, the people trafficking around me - I was intent on seeing you. We met - you were late - Brenda looking so proud to be with you. We discussed workout strategies. For the first time, you agreed to follow mine. We used a 30 lb dumbell as a kettlebell and did my full cardio weight workout. Brenda used a smaller weight. You were exhausted as we finished. I tried to act like I was okay - but I was worn out too. You then insisted that we finish with deadlifts - something that you were focused on recently. They nearly wiped me out. We waited to finish with pull ups - you were impressive with your form and number as always - at the end of the workout no less! I struggled. Brenda finished strong. We parted ways and you headed back to the dorm to clean up. Our evening at the coffee shop and the next day will be part of another story. But our time at the Rec was awesome.
Coming back to the Rec this past week for the blood drive was tough. I did not realize that I parked Danny and I such that we had to walk next to the passage under Welborn. The thought, the vision, the feeling of walking with you through this passage so many times to the Rec overwhelmed me. I could not, would not again. Danny and I entered the Rec and were greeted by your friends - they love and miss you greatly. During the drive that provided materials for 90 people, girls you smiled at in Moses, people who heard about you, people alerted by the University President's Tweets, your closest friends all came and gave. Trestin, John and others looked more buff than ever - following your example working out at the Rec. You loved smoothies and we bought Smoothie King for everyone. A small gift in response to their gift. Jeremy the managr of Smoothie King told mom and I how you visited him every day in Sbisa. You bought a smoothie every few days, but always said Hello. We know you talked about working there often. He spoke of what a quality young man you were - one that stuck out in his memory and his saddness learning that you have gone home. I wandered around the Rec - reliving our lifts, our runs, our basketball, our watching racketball players, swimmers - it was overwhelming the sweet memories that flooded back. How I miss you Ian - I have no words. I walked to move Danny's car and paused at the passageway - remembering again our walks for a year - from our first visits to April - to go to the Rec. I swelled with pride in who you are, with the lives you have impacted, the joys we shared.
Thank you Ian for sharing the Rec with me. There is so much more, but this is a start to keep these memories alive.
Love you Ian,
dad
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)