So a month ago my dad calls me and says "4 tickets for the Clemson game are yours. All you have to do is get here (we live in Colorado)." I instantly go into analysis mode...hrrrmmm....if we get past WVU, we'll be 4-0, they'll likely be the same....night game, packed house. yeah baby!" Me, my dad and my twin 10 year old daughters....passing the madness down another generation! Spend a glorious day at one of my favorite places on earth....catch Gameday in the AM, hit the lot early afternoon, soak in the sights, smells and beverages of early fall in SWVA. jump to Sandman with my kids! Take another shot at the champs......Oh helllllllll yes.

Shortly after my excitement wore off, my daughter asked me the dates. "September 30th" I say. We'll leave on Thursday night, come home Monday." My daughter realizes and reminds me that she has rehearsal for a play (not the play mind you, a rehearsal for the play) that she's in the following week. "Yeah, but it's just a rehearsal, right? You know your lines and all your songs. We could miss that, do a killer Dad/Daughter road trip and make the performance Tuesday night, right?" She hesitates for a second and says "Okay." Woohoo! Pack your bags.....

A short time later she returns with a question...."Dad, didn't you tell me that when you join a team it's a commitment, and to honor that commitment you have to give 100% or you let the team down? "Sure," I replied.

She says "Well, the dress rehearsal is a big part of being ready for the play. The cast is my team, and I wouldn't feel right leaving them if I skipped rehearsal the week before the play. I know you really want to go and so do I, but I've been practicing for this play for months. I want to be prepared and do my part to help the team."

A truly crushing blow to my inner Hokie which is saying ("but, but, but....it's, it's CLEMSON....GAMEDAY, DEFENDING CHAMPS, SIGNATURE OPPORTUNITY! LANE WILL BE PACKED AND LITERALLY SHAKING! YOU'RE ONLY 10...YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!".......sorry inner Hokie, she's got a point. What do you say tother than...."buddy, you're right. We'll go another time" As I walked around the corner to go downstairs, I felt proud of her for her for holding me to my teachings. Painfully called Dad and said, "We're out Pop." I only cried for about an hour (like that Northwestern fan kid at the NCAA tourney last year) ....UGH!

So, for those that will be in attendance, have one for me as I will be watching at home, with my friends, family and one daughter who is primed and ready for the lights! This will be one of those rare ones for the books.