I have only been on TexAgs since the first of the year and just recently became a member to see the Aggie Only thread. Last night I stayed up most of the night reading through the Bonfire posts. I can't say how many times I began sobbing and wanted to just let loose and have the tears flow. I'm class of '89 and was VERY involved with BONFIRE. To this day, I am very proud to make that statement. The process of BONFIRE became, and still is a huge part of who I am.
I graduated in Turfgrass Management with Keith Ebanks. Keith and I became good friends over the last few years in school as Turfgrass Management had very few students in that specialty. I still remember duck hunting with Keith at Lake Somerville. Road tripping as students to Orlando, FL to attend the National Golf Course Superintendents Association convention. It was a huge loss when he was killed in an automobile accident. I felt for his parents.
It was quite some time before I found out his brother was one of the twelve. I hurt even more for his parents. There is no way I can realize the hurt and loss the families and especially the Ebanks have experienced. If Michael was anything like Keith, there is so much to be proud of. Know this.... While there are many people who post here and who visit with all of the parents expressing their thoughts, there are so many more people who mourn in their own way, they just don't have the outlet to express it.
To the Kerlee family, the Ebanks family, and all others who lost children that day, please add one more former student and friend who wishes to express their condolence and thanks to you. Condolence for losing your loved one. Thanks for raising special kids and for giving them the opportunity to be part of a special place in this world.
Gig'Em and God Bless.