The Difference

This past May was a very exciting time for my wife and me as parents. For the second year in a row, we had the high privilege and honor (along with both sets of grandparents) to see one of our daughters go through a college graduation. In May, 2007 we saw our elder daughter graduate from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and this past May, we saw our second daughter graduate from Spartanburg Methodist College with her Associate of Arts degree.

Needless to say, pictures were taken, hugs were given and memories were shared at both ceremonies. Our elder daughter has moved on to the Medical University of South Carolina where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Pharmacology, and our second daughter has moved on to the College of Charleston where she is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Education. (And so our other two children don't feel left out, our third daughter received a letter of admission with a scholorship to Young Harris College this past week, and our son made all A's).

Back to the story.

One of the things that made this past May very interesting and unusual was the processional and recessional. Actually, it was the difference that was glaringly apparent during the processional and recessional.

(By the way, my father-in-law lost his monopod for his camera during the ceremony, so if anyone knows where it is, please let me know and I will pass it on).

What was glaringly apparent was the difference. 20 inches of difference.

Our daughter, you see, is approximately 5’2” in height. And of course, her last name is Lane.

They had everyone lined up in alphabetical order, and the name “Knox” came just before “Lane”. Brendon Knox was seated next to my daughter. He is 6’10” tall. 20 inches taller than her. It was so strange to see them standing beside each other, because he simply towered over her.

Needless to say, Brendon played basketball for Spartanburg Methodist. A very good basketball player, in fact. So good, in fact, that he signed a scholarship with Auburn University right out of Spartanburg Methodist College. He has begun pre-season practice and workouts getting ready for the 2008-09 season at Auburn.

In an interview with Auburn Coach Jeff Lebo earlier today, Lebo told AuburnSports.com that Knox has the potential to be very good, and "does some stuff that makes your eyes pop out every once in a while”. I can understand that. He certainly made mine pop out when I saw him standing next to my daughter at graduation this past May.

War Eagle!

WJLaneSR