Long post, but I try to share this story every year because so many have been touched by it. Five years ago my dad was actively dying from severely metastatic cancer. He is a Vol for Life and raised two sons who would become Vol alumni. My brother and I knew how sick he was and pulled all the stops to get incredible tickets to the 2016 Florida game knowing this would be our last chance to share another Vol game with him. We barely got him up and into the stadium. My brother and I broke down and cried when he went to the bathroom. The first half disaster was the most Tennessee thing ever. What happened in that second half was the most special thing I ever experienced with my father. The joy and excitement we had as Tennessee pummeled Florida relentlessly for a huge and rare win. His smile and laugh. The weak high fives. Memories burned into my soul. One of the best days of my life. The next month the mets to his brain would take his mind away and I would never have another meaningful conversation with him. On Dec 22, 2016 he peacefully left this world to go be where he was made whole again. But I forever have this day burned into my memory. The happiest and saddest day of my life. Perfect and beautiful. Now 5 years ago to this day. I get why football means so much to many of you. Rest In Peace, Rocky Pop.
