I had just turned 16 earlier in the month. I had taken and passed my drivers test and thought I a "Man. I had wheels and great stereo. A 68 Chevelle SS 396.
My grandfather was the man who taught me to drive, and he was very proud of "being the one that taught me". We were close and listen to John Forney on Saturday or watch the games on tv.
I remember December 31, 1973 as a cold winter day. I had planned on watching the game with my grandfather that afternoon. We received a call from the police. My mother told me he had been riding his bike, as he did every day. Someone found he and his bike in the yard of a neighbor. He had a massive MI and passed away that day around 10 am. They doc said he didnt suffer. I love that, how was he to know.
I watched the game with my dad and younger brothers. I will still numb from the events of the day but the game at least gave me something to think about other I had lost my best friend.
Well you know the rest of story of the game.
Back in the 70's for you younger fans. 3 tv channels, no internet, no cell phones. We lived for the Bear Bryant show on Sundays. Football was probably more important to the fans back then , we were younger and immortal and besides fast cars and girls what else was there but Bama football.
At 16 your thoughts and feeling are very easy to influence. Well to this day I hate I lost my grandfather but, I am at a point where I just despise ND and just for this magical season. I hope we win and it sends them into the abyss of the Florida's to hit bottom again.
Roll Tide.....
Little did I know going thru the pics on my phone that 6 months ago I had taken a photo his grave site. I had taken pics of grandfathers foot store with his name and birth and death date. December 31, 1973.
So I hope its a good Omen. I trust he and Coach Bryant are watching from up above.