I guess I should start at the very beginning MANY years ago. When we moved to Oneonta (the first time) God sent some precious people into our lives that we now count as family. Jim and Linda Henderson have blessed our lives in so many ways, but from the second Linda and Davis met, there was a unique bond. I can remember one Easter, Davis fell in the bathtub and had to have his chin glued at the ER and the first stop Davis wanted to make afterwards was the Henderson home. That is just one of COUNTLESS stories about this precious couple.
One thing Davis has learned from them is a love of all things Auburn. We have cheered for Auburn for YEARS now, all because of Jim and Linda. And let me tell you, it has not been easy. As a former "bammer" that converted to Georgia - I felt a little confused at times listening to my child say "War Eagle" - but we have come to embrace it. So, as season tickets came to the mailbox of the Henderson home, a little plan was being devised between Linda and Davis. That plan included the opening game of the season and a lifetime of memories.
About three weeks before this game, we were at the gas station with Linda and Davis stated "Mommy I am pretty sure Linda is getting gas for our Auburn game" Yes - plans had been in the making for a while! And someone was a little excited. Each morning last week, Davis' first words each morning were "How many wake-ups until Auburn?"
Friday night before the Auburn game was a huge Oneonta game in Alexandria. Davis was presented with two choices: go to the Oneonta game with us and then Jim and Linda pick him up the next morning OR spend the night with Jim and Linda on Friday night. Well it was a HARD decision.....he really wanted to go to Alexandria but he also really "didn't want Jim and Linda to forget me" so he opted for choice number two. Which is HUGE decision for my child that loves Oneonta football as much as Auburn football.
So spend the night he did, but sleep did not come easy. It was almost like Christmas Eve. Linda said when she went to bed at 11:30, Davis was still awake. When they left the next morning at 5:45 AM, he woke up easily and walked to the car! And stayed awake the whole way there.
Linda said as they pulled in to Auburn, Davis would keep saying "I just can't believe we are here!" Jim said each time they got out of the car, Davis would run and give him a hug!
First stop was the bookstore, where Davis got an Aubie PillowPet, then it was off to the Alumni Tent for lunch
Then it was off to the stadium!
Davis was able to see the eagle fly, which really is an impressive sight. But Davis was convinced the lady had an owl on her arm......HA!
As Matt and I watched the game, I committed Matt's "unpardonable" sin. I prayed that Auburn would win this game..... Matt always says he is not convinced that God really cares who wins a football game - but I am pretty sure He did that day! When it seemed as all hope was lost, I prayed even harder.....I just wanted this day to be perfect for our little boy.....and Matt was just worried how Linda would deal with both Jim AND Davis if they lost!
But win Auburn did and this little clan headed off to that historical site.....Toomer's Corner
Then it was off to the Payton's Game Day Condo, where the adults tailgated and relived a magical day and Davis.....well.....he relived a magical day as well....
Jim and Linda: Thank you will never be enough, but please know you have changed a life! Not just in who he cheers for in football, but in countless ways! We love you and War Eagle!
"The spirit of the Auburn family is a magical, mystical thing. It defies explanation. It transcends wins and losses on a football field. It imprints itself on your character and can never be extinguished. Being an Auburn fan defines part of who and what you are..."
"Believe me on this. Please. I have descended into college football's Grand Canyon. I have stood in its Alps. I have gazed at its ocean sunset. I have attended a game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. And I've been changed forever." ~ Bud Poliquin
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