The Knoxville Civic Coliseum was the site.
The year was 1979. Kiss was in the house! Two buddies and I stood only a few feet, from center stage. We were there! What a show! The rock vibes were rolling, from the speakers. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley were in true form! What a performance! One very stout and tall friend hoisted me up, from time to time, so I could take pictures, above the crowd. What shots I took! I have great shot, of Gene Simmons breathing fire! The house was packed. We were there! What a memory! I was young and felt great!
The year was 2006. Gibbs High School graduates were in the house. My niece, Trina “Biscuit” (as I nicknamed her) was graduating (as the only National Merit Scholarship Finalist in the class, I might add). Several family members were seated, on stage left. The commencement music did not rock. The speakers were adequate, but not on a roll. I tried to stay awake. I was old and sick, still fighting varicella-zoster. Still yet, when Trina “Biscuit” walked across that stage, a chill of pride and sentiment ran down my back. Was this the little girl, whom I used to “walk on the ceiling?” Congratulations, Trina! Yours was not a ceremony of mediocrity. Good luck and Godspeed in the future!
The Knoxville Civic Coliseum hasn’t changed; I have. I miss the thrill and fire, of the concert, from my youth, but I relish the love, of my dear, long-suffering wife and of those around us. Have I graduated?
What say you?
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4 comments:
Congratulations to your niece. Yeah, we don't get any younger, do we? Awesome photos, they rock, too!
You can't wiggle out of this one brother-in-law. You are the Appalachian Irishman! There was only one national merit finalist & only one Trina in Gibb's graduating class. You can no longer deny it! ;)
Congratulations to your kin. The Clan is proud of her. From one Irishman to another...Did you expect less than her best? The buttons should be bouncing off the wall...As a lay preacher..God Bless you and yours. Glad your health has returned.
Sonya, do I know you? With whom do you have me confused?
Mystic, thanks! I was 14 years in fulltime ministry, including five in Russia. God's blessings!
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