He’s Bama Bound
Big Mama has called her native son and Number One has answered–he’s Bama bound.
Number One had literally been losing sleep over the Big Decision, so torn was he between choosing The University of Alabama and his parents’ alma mater (Hail!) Harding University. I had lunch with him a couple of weeks ago to see how things were going and to let him explain to me his reasoning. At the end of that conversation, I was impressed. Number One understood full well what he would be gaining and losing with either choice, and he was able to list off the pros and cons of each with ease. He felt that he was at an intellectual dead heat, with each appearing equal when all the credits and debits were added together.
I then asked him a couple of questions that will probably echo for some time to come: Where’s your heart, Number One? Which one of these makes your pulse beat a little faster?
I explained to him that sometimes we can only reason things out so far, that there are times when we must listen to our passion and “go with the gut” in order to break the knots that our minds sometimes tie together. As I asked those questions, I knew deep down what his answer would be. I was torn, but it seemed that he needed my blessing to move forward.
Number One was homeschooled through 8th grade, but he chose to go to a large, public high school for the academic challenge and to “test his wings.” He’s carved a good path there and enjoyed the diversity in thought, opinion and lifestyle among his peers. He’s gained friends and earned the respect of many across the high school pecking order–from geeks and Goths to gunners and jocks. He’s done it by not trashing people behind their backs and by cutting people some slack when others didn’t. He’s spent his time living out the Gospel in sometimes difficult circumstances, not simply talking about it and saying all the “right things” or beating people about the head with it.
I think after all that, it was hard for him to envision himself going to a smaller private school and one that was more isolated geographically and somewhat more parochial in practice and thought. I think he envisioned himself enjoying the challenge and diversity of a large state university, studying and playing hard, seeking and hopefully finding balance and a path for his future. And yes, I suppose the image of him being a part of history by cheering in the student section as Nick Saban takes the field for the first time with the Tide probably crossed his mind too!
Also, Bama wanted him badly, and they weren’t afraid to show it. Since he was a National Merit Finalist, they offered Number One a very nice scholarship and never missed an opportunity to write or call these last few months to remind him of all the advantages that they could offer. He received the kind of personalized attention reserved for many athletes, and the constant wooing played a major role in sealing the deal.
When all was said and done, he felt that choosing Bama would minimize the “what ifs?” and regrets that invariably accompany any Big Decision. At the end of the day, he went with his heart.
But still it was very tough saying “no” to Harding and choosing not to meet up once again with the professors and good friends that he made at last summer’s Honors Symposium. He went into that experience with some negative impressions about Christian education, but he returned with a more open mind and a greater appreciation for what was offered there. I think it’s fair to say that he’ll have a great deal of love for Harding for the rest of his life, indeed, even a Harding-shaped hole in his heart.
But I’ve noticed he’s sleeping a little better these days. His shoulders are more relaxed. He smiles more. He laughs with greater ease. He is at peace–and so are we. All of us have experienced that sense of traveling down new and exciting trails, of being borne along by the ineffable paradox and mysterious intersection of God’s sovereignty and our own free will.
Number One, we’re proud of you and the maturity that you’ve shown during this year. Your brothers are proud of you too, and here’s a dirty little secret: when they think you’re not listening, they brag about you to their friends (and they watch your back too). Your Mom and I have been praying for you, and we’ll continue to do so until our knees are bloodied and raw. We know you’re going to find your own way, but we figure that you’ll still need our help every now and then.
You know where to find us. We’ll even leave the light on for you.
And, needless to say:
Roll Tide, Roll.
24 Comments
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Terri
…and he’s handsome enough to go to Auburn!!!
Seriously, I know that was a tough decision. I’ll have a reason to think better about Bama now.
Mike the Eyeguy
Thanks Terri. Kinda hard to hate the enemy when you know the enemy ain’t so bad. 🙂
Mike the Eyeguy
Okay, that’s one down, two to go.
I’m sure that Number Two Son must be thrilled at the prospect of having my laser-like focus trained on him for the next two years.
Donna
Wow! It is great that you were able to give him the props he needed to make a very tough decision. The next one will be easier for him as he will remember his Dad’s words to “go with his heart”
and Roll Tide!!!
Double vision
Looks like you and Eyegal have done good work as parents. As they say in the delta of Arkansas-You did real good! Congrats to Number One as well. I hope my kids do as well. Another good reason to go to Alabama-the AL college gals in the stands always look better than the opposing team when they are on TV. Not that number one would consider that!
Mike the Eyeguy
“Another good reason to go to Alabama-the AL college gals in the stands always look better than the opposing team when they are on TV. Not that number one would consider that!”
Well, of course not.
Although he keeps going on and on about the “Houndstooth Twins.” (click here and here).
Number One, stick to the books, man.
JRB
Roll Tide!
I hope that my wife and I and our ’05 and ’06 Girls are as wise, deliberate, serious and prayerful as the EyeFam. Even if it’s not your sentimental choice, you must be very proud that he has taken this decision so seriously and maturely.
Turn the world upside down, No. 1.
Mike the Eyeguy
Donna–I knew you would shout that when you heard the news! Roll Tide right back atcha.
JRB–Thanks, we’re proud indeed. And I’m cool with him turning the world upside down–so long as he keeps his head right side up!
lAURA
We are right there with you but the other way. I think our senior will be letting Auburn know in the next few weeks that she will not be accepting their full tuition scholarship. It is tough to chew but she is so excited about Lipscomb that we are excited for her. She said “it is funny she is getting a larger scholarship at lipscomb but it dosn’t cover tuition. She does understand what she is giving up and it is a very difficult decision for them. See in pun our kids turned out great even though they went to a badddd school. Ha Ha! GO CLASS OF 07 we are very proud of you.
Mike the Eyeguy
I’m not sure how that whole AU-UT thing would have worked out in your family anyway. Probably for the best that she’s going to DLU. 🙂
I tried to get #1 to look Lipscomb way, but to no avail. Ever since he was a wee thing, the Tide has always tugged hard at his heart.
Yes, Go Grissom MYM ’07!
Stoogelover
I’m impressed with Number One and all I know is from this blog. I’m also impressed with the relationship you have together. That’s not to be taken for granted in our day and age. Congrats to all involved!!
Those Houndstooth Twins sure are hard on the eyes, aren’t they!
Mike the Eyeguy
As an eyecare professional, I must advise against against staring directly at the Houndstooth Twins. If you absolutely have no other choice, be sure to use appropriate eye protection.
Number One, you’ve been warned. Numbers Two and Three: that goes for you too.
DAVID u
Mike, I am sure Number One will be a blessing to Bama, and I wish him the best of luck. Their gain is our loss.
Maybe will get Number Two! 🙂
Later,
DU
Mike the Eyeguy
DU, thanks for those kind words (and for your friendship).
I think there’s a pretty good chance that ol’ HU will snag at least one of the last two!
bpb
What a handsome young man! My children both went to Lipscomb, with my daughter graduating from there in December 2001. Oh my – where has the time gone?? My son went to Lipscomb 2 yrs. and finished at UNA. If we had it to do all over again, knowing what we know now, we’d probably reconsider both choices. The University of Alabama is a wonderful school – and I’m sure he will do well. Might add: this was a MUCH wiser choice than Auburn! ROLL TIDE!
Mike the Eyeguy
bpb:
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your well wishes. My wife and I were with Number One on his tour of Bama last November and were impressed greatly with the school and especially President Witt. We looked at each other and said: “Hey, why don’t we go back to school instead?”
Roll Tide!
Carolinagirl
Spread your wings, number one, and let yourself soar into the unkown. Never look back and wonder ’cause your path will never be the same as your go forward. God speed as you pursue your choice!
Mike the Eyeguy
“Never look back and wonder…”
Good advice, Cg, I’ll make sure he reads that.
Now I’ll be humming Fleetwood Mac for the rest of the day. 🙂
“Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone…”
Jason Bybee
Tell #1 I said congrats and I’m proud of him!
Mike the Eyeguy
Thanks, Jason, I’ll tell him.
Brady
Well, I was hoping our boys might meet there in Searcy (if that’s where Son 2 ends up). But any decision made with facts, research and a good amount of conviction will most certainly be blessed.
Wish him our best…
Mike the Eyeguy
Much obliged, Brady. And the same to your son.
Mark Elrod
Sorry I missed this on Friday; Harding’s loss is Bama’s gain.
Tell #1 that at least one professor feels like he’s missed out on having a great student on campus!
Mike the Eyeguy
And #1 is missing out on some great professors too, ME. That’s one of the things that made the decision so tough.