Yesterday I buried my 22 year old tiger fan. He was killed in a car wreck last Thursday morning on his way to work. Blake still lived at home with plans to marry his girlfriend after she graduates from nursing school in a couple of years. He had it all planned out, but God had other plans. I trust Him, with questions, but no accusations.
Blake loved the tigers and we enjoyed this past year together. We don’t watch television, but we listened to every game together and talked about them until the next game day. Jamar Chase was his favorite player. He graduated from Mississippi State but, he went in a tiger and came out a tiger! It’s pretty cool knowing his last year was his best year yet and the tigers’ best year yet.
I don’t post here, but I read almost every day. I’d like to say, I’ve read many posts similar to this one with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face because of stories about people I don’t even know. But I didn’t respond with words of comfort. Today I know how important those words would have been to somebody, even a stranger, whose only connection to me was a college sports program. I now pledge to be a better, more compassionate person toward those in similar need. I want to be that friend in need and in deed.
Btw Blake was dressed up in his favorite suit and tie like he was going to church or the only other more important place, but a few of us knew he was wearing his purple and gold tiger socks. Another tiger gone...but not forgotten.
Thank you, Rant, for letting me share a little about Blake today. It seems to help ??

Update...I can never reply to everyone that has spoken to us today. Please know that your words, no matter how few, have been such a blessing to us. My wife, daughter and Blake’s girlfriend have been reading these comments with a smile on their faces and tears on their cheeks. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Blake’s girlfriend went back to work today in Pensacola and one of her students got off the bus with an LSU jacket on! I got a “GEAUX TIGERS” out of a Florida girl today!

This post was edited on 2/26/20 at 5:33 pm