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There's more to life than the Iron Bowl
Published November 22, 2005
We’re two days away from Thanksgiving, so I figured I’d take this opportunity to dish out a few of my own words of gratitude.
First off, if you folks don’t mind me taking care of some official business, I’ll give thanks to my managing editor Jared Felkins and the publisher at our humble newspaper Cliff Clements. All brownnosing aside, these two took a chance on a kid fresh out of college who had a bit of a chip on his shoulder. I promised them I’d give them my best if they gave me a shot. We’re five months in and I hope they’re satisfied with what I’ve brought to the table.
And let’s see, Larry Kemick definitely gets a pat on the back too. He’s the guy who let me hitch a ride on one of the most memorable stories I’ll ever write. Flying his own plane from Albertville to southern Mississippi on supply runs just days after Hurricane Katrina devastated thousands of people throughout the Gulf Coast, Kemick gave me a lesson in the power that is the human spirit. I’d all but turned in my two-week notice after struggling with the emotional nightmare that ensued for all us journalists, but this one guy showed me good still existed, and despite the odds, would somehow prevail.
I can’t forget Ed Mullins either. Dr. Mullins was my advisor and professor during my later years at Alabama. I made a few mistakes along the way, but he was always there to keep me on course. Everyone who’s met the man has their own unique take on his style and personality, but no one could sway my opinion of him. I’ll look back at my life in 40 years and know that without Mullins my story would’ve been considerably different.
And to the superintendents and members of Albertville, Boaz and Marshall County’s school boards, you get more of a sheepish apology than thanks. But, your patience with a guy who’s never covered an open meeting in his life has proved to be very valuable. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard them all say some variation of “but you’re not gonna quote me on that, right?” over the past 150 days. Most of the time, I didn’t. But there have been a handful of occasions where I couldn’t abide by their requests. They might not appreciate it, but as you have to learn very quickly, an open meeting is, after all, an open meeting.
But before this starts sounding too much like an acceptance speech and the producers of the ‘show’ cut me off with bad elevator music, I think it’s time to tie this all together.
Truth be told, I thought this column would be about how bad I felt after my team lost its fourth Iron Bowl in a row. And believe me, as a former sports writer for the Crimson White (Alabama’s student newspaper), I had my gun loaded with some silver-tipped bullets.
And as Jess and I were cleaning up the nursery Sunday afternoon, making final arrangements for our son’s arrival, I was lining all my fiery words up in my head; stuff like “it was as if Auburn’s defensive line and Alabama’s offensive line were playing tag. And the Tigers were it.”
That’s when it hit me though. Here I am, about to welcome the pride and joy of my life into the world with a girl I couldn’t possibly love more, and all I wanted to do was take pot shots at five guys I’ve only casually met.
I have way too much to be thankful for to get so upset over a football game. I know several people who’d rant about the loss if they were in my position, but I can’t do it. It just isn’t worth it. My son isn’t born yet, but he’s already taught me one of the most valuable lessons life in Alabama has to offer.
Believe it or not, I’ve realized there are more important things in Alabama than football. Those who know me probably never thought they’d see this day, but it’s happened.
So, for that, I thank you Noah.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
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