4everfsu wrote:If would be nice if people would mention who this or that person is other then just saying so and so came by.
Thanks
Sorry and I agree. I had attempted yesterday to "make a long story short" but it still ended up being too long. So, I'll try again:
Several us were gathered around Rodney yesterday in a hallway there in the FOC just chattin. Then someone asked him to tell his story about what happened to him the week of graduation. He started the story by going back to a game when Hofstra came to play LU. Ben Anderson the QB back then had thrown an interception and Hofstra took it back down for the winning touchdown. All Ben could do was fall to his knees bowing his head in shame. Rodney said as soon as he saw Ben fall to his knees, he ran out to him, picked him up and carried him back to the sidelines. Fast forward to the week of graduation. Rodney was being looked at by several teams in the NFL so when he got a call from Coach Sam Rutigliano to come into his office, Rodney figured it was news about a team making an offer. Rodney thought it was odd that Coach Sam asked him to sit down. After several protests he finally sat. The news was tragic. Coach Sam had to break the news to Rodney that his family (on their way from Waco, TX to make it to Lynchburg for Rodney's graduation) were in a bad accident and two family members died and one other one was in critical condition. Riding in the van were his two grandmothers, his sister, brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews. Both grandmothers died at the accident and his brother-in-law died a few weeks later. The accident happened while they were on the road somewhere in Louisiana. He said the van flipped at least 20 times. Rodney flew down to Louisiana to be with his family members and he said he had to travel between four different hospitals. He made the decision to fly back to Lynchburg for commencement. As you may know, the whole Liberty/Lynchburg community lifted Rodney in prayers all week. I worked for Rob Jackson, the Campus Pastor back then and I remember receiving the news and remember how devastating and sad it was. Anyway, Rodneys flight back was on the same day as graduation ceremonies and for some reason it was running late. Dr. Falwell knew Rodney was on his way so get this - He held up the ceremony for almost two hours!!!! They waited as long as they could and went on ahead with the service. Rodney said that as soon as he arrived people were walking against him leaving and that's where he finally felt "defeated". (I'm in tears by now as well as several others there listening). He stopped and sobbed because he knew he was too late. All of the sudden he felt an arm around him and it was Mrs. Anderson (Ben's mom). She hugged him and told him that she'll never forget the time Rodney ran out to the field, picked up her son and carried him back and now she wanted to do the same for him. She took Rodney to the podium and fortunately Dr. Towns was still there so Rodney was able to "walk" and get his diploma. Afterwards he found out that Dr. Falwell had held a reception in the Executing Dining Room in his honor. The room was full with people and the press and couldn't stop being so thankful for Dr. Falwell's love and support.
Rodney was able to get through his story without a crack or tear but that wasn't the case with the rest of us. What a very moving story and I really think our football team and student body would benefit if he could come and speak to them. What a blessing he is!
