My work friends and I lost a dear friend on Monday. He had been sick for some time. He was a die hard Texas fan who was allowed to meet Mack Brown and the Texas team at a practice last year. Yesterday, after learning that our friend had passed, a large flower arrangement arrived at the funeral home. I know his assistant probably arranged it, but, it meant the world to family and all those close to Andrew. His funeral will be a sea of burnt orange today.
I've always liked Mack, I know he takes a lot of heat for being Mr. Feb and all but he's always seemed to me to be a genuinely nice guy.
I thought that I was sick with my love for the Vols. Andrew planned out his funeral with segments that meant the world to him. The pastor was to wear something orange. Out of respect for his wishes, the pastor with ties to Oklahoma wore orange. Several people got up to tell memories about their time on this earth with Andrew. Most memories had something to do with burnt orange. Andrews last words to Cindy on our last visit to his apartment before his death were said during a hug. Go Horns was whispered with a trembling tone from Cindy. Andrew replied with Go Vols and Hook 'em. Cindy and Andrew had a special relationship. :cry: Shortly after the January 1st bowl game in 1998, we lost a Vol Fan and Prodigy friend by the name of James Seat. When we continued on the national championship trail due to the totally unexpected fumble by the Arkansas QB in the 1998 season, Cindy and I credited a well placed James Seat foot that tripped up the QB causing the fumble. Watch for a similar play for Texas this year that makes a difference in the Horns' season. Knowing Andrew, it will come in the A&M and/or Oklahoma games. Cindy will be crediting that play to Andrew. It is amazing how this group of workers feel for each other. If all of us could have this caring attitude about others, this world would be a better place.