Sometimes even the strongest amongst us needs some shelter from life's storms. Today, our good friend VA Cane needs that and more. Now here he is, coming to you, in his own words, in his time of need...
Since you all are family, I mean that, let me share a little about my family. February has become a tough month for me over time. Good things, and challenging things.
My Dad's Birthday was Valentines Day. He was my hero, so Sunday thinking of him being gone was tough. The 15th, my son turned 26. He's the apple of my eye, my son I pass the torch to and a great kid!
The 18th my Mom will have been gone 2 years. She was the smartest person I have ever known. You could never fool that woman and she was very special to me. So, that's a start I prepared for this February.
But it gets tougher, much tougher. Friday night. my niece Tabatha Ann was murdered in her home by her live in of 10 years in front of a 5 and 7 year old. Never had something that tragic that close...man would never fight another man, then beats her to death in front of their children. I have to write the articles, preach the funeral.
My 3 week old granddaughter, 3rd one behind Kensley and Lillian, her name is Elizabeth Ray, we call her Lizzy Ray, was ill during east coast ice storm. Went to the doctor yesterday, breathing problems, mucous, showing signs of cystic fibrosis. So folks, the VAC has a very full agenda, and as always everybody looks to me for answers, faith, leadership, poise. Not always easy with the regular stuff of the job, February thoughts, and murder and serious illness on top of it.
And we lost my mother in law in July to Alzhimers, so if I seem a little edgy, I dont feel bad, and was not trying to be a negative nancy, but you have some insight as to why!
You know old VAC, at one time. Long ago, the smallest starting corner in the nation in the 70s. Now the patriarch of a family,and while challenged with issues way more pressing than the field, will always be there for all. In the mix for the championships of the game calle Life!!!
I always advise people a simple saying: Let Go Let God. It works folks, cause Faith is what you have when there is nothing left to hang onto! Thanks for the time and will keep you all advised.
Please pray for my niece and granddaughter. I know you all will!
God bless all of you!
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/henrico-murder-suspect-faced-more-than-a-dozen-domestic-violence-charges-over-the-last-year
Well done Tom, such a great heartfull post for a great loving person.
VA, I believe we will all be saying prayers for You and your family,
Posted by: Harry Miller | February 18, 2021 at 12:33 AM
Ditto Harry!
Tom - perfect
VA - so sorry
Posted by: AeroCane | February 18, 2021 at 07:43 AM
va
me too-me too
Posted by: ucane | February 18, 2021 at 11:29 AM
Anyone know what happened to Randy Shannon. I’m guessing he’s not at ucf anymore since they hired T-Will. But there’s no news on weather he quit or got fired. The latest news on him is from January.
Posted by: AfriCane | February 18, 2021 at 02:31 PM
Hang in there VAC
Posted by: CGNC | February 18, 2021 at 02:36 PM
Hang tough VA Cane... So sorry for your losses...
A great reminder to us all to cherish the ones we love, and the moments we have together. How fleeting life can be...
Posted by: roachcane77 | February 19, 2021 at 10:03 AM
VA
Takes strength to lay it out bare to all.
Blessings to you and your family
Posted by: KYcane | February 19, 2021 at 10:08 AM
From January 5, 2021:
UCF defensive coordinator Randy Shannon’s newest contract included a $1 million annual salary and a hefty buyout, according to records obtained by Knight News.
If UCF were to fire Shannon without cause, UCF would owe him 100% of his $1 million base salary through the term of the agreement, the records state. These terms of Shannon’s agreement had not previously been reported.
This is from February 17, 2021:
Williams signed a two-year deal with UCF that pays him an annual salary of $600,000, according to an agreement obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg was the first to report that a deal was in place to bring Williams to Orlando Tuesday afternoon.
“This is an awesome opportunity,” Williams said.
Williams, 38, coached with Malzahn at Auburn, first as a graduate assistant then as a linebackers coach before moving into the role of co-defensive coordinator of the Tigers from 2019-20. He most recently found himself on the Miami Hurricanes staff as the inside linebacker coach.
Williams met with UCF interim coach and former defensive coordinator Randy Shannon after he arrived on campus and plans to meet with the remaining defensive staff as well.
“That’s the right thing to do is meet with them,” Williams said.
Shannon’s current contract runs through the 2021 season, with a $1 million buyout option.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 19, 2021 at 02:41 PM
The UCF Knights will begin their 2021 baseball season tonight, but head coach Greg Lovelady won’t be in the dugout.
The program announced Friday via Twitter that Lovelady has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be with the team for any part of its three-game series versus the Florida Atlantic Owls this weekend. Assistant coach Ted Tom will be the acting head coach while Lovelady is out.
(Note: Lovelady wasa player at Miami)
Posted by: 86Cane | February 19, 2021 at 02:45 PM
Many many thanks to 86 for his kind thoughts for my loved ones, and many thanks to each of you for the support a family always gives it members. Things are actually pretty good. The baby girl looks to be better; they ran some tests and doctors feel real good about her. We will know more on Monday.
we have made funeral arrangements for Tab; I wrote the obituary and her story on the memorial page. There is a nice video of pictures from her short but very full life. Her 2 children are safe and appear to be doing ok for now. Without going into details, the man beat her to death in front of these children; the casket will have to be closed; there was nothing left of her beautiful young face.
Please read about her life, read the obituary, look at her pictures. I know that none of you knew her, but you know of people who suffered the same fate:death by domestic violence. If you can read her story, and can help in any way the link is at the end of my statement. As for me, you know I am angry about this, but rather than hate, I am going to get involved in my community with domestic violence: speak counsel fund raise to help stop the violence against all women.
If you are able to help in any way, me and all of my family would greatly appreciate your gift of compassion and love.
Here is the link to Tabatha Inge Memorial
https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/tabitha-anne-tab-inge-memorial-fund/5325/
Thank you so much for your time consideration and prayers!
Always VAC
Posted by: VA Cane | February 19, 2021 at 03:45 PM
If you are able to help in any way, me and all of my family would greatly appreciate your gift of compassion and love.
Here is the link to Tabatha Inge Memorial
https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/tabitha-anne-tab-inge-memorial-fund/5325/
Thank you so much for your time consideration and prayers!
Always VAC
Posted by: VA Cane | February 19, 2021 at 03:45 PM
Well done my friend, well done.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 19, 2021 at 04:24 PM
Same ole
Same ole
Gators 5 Canes 1 in 7th
Posted by: AeroCane | February 19, 2021 at 08:06 PM
The U loses game 1, 7-5 to the gators
Boo
Posted by: AeroCane | February 19, 2021 at 09:04 PM
Hang In There VAC. Prayers To You!
Posted by: Terrance M Sullivan | February 19, 2021 at 10:01 PM
And The Beat Goes On. Same story different year.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | February 19, 2021 at 10:08 PM
"Incredible gutsy performance by the basketball team to cut that 30 point halftime deficit to a final margin of only 27 points."
There, saved the pathetic apologist the need to post a pathetic post.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 20, 2021 at 01:48 PM
canes bb goes down to GA Tech
. . . beverly couldn't play; his back finally had enough . . . then we lost wong at the end of the 1st half = 5 scholarship players (including deng gak and his knees!) = herendon playing major minutes
i'm gonna say it: FIRE THE G#D#MN BASKETBALL GODS . . . really tired of them always messing with the canes!
Posted by: alpine | February 20, 2021 at 01:52 PM
VA: gonna tip my cap to you, you did a FANTASTIC job with the story on the memorial page (thx for posting the link)! i watched about half of the photos, which was also done excellently (good music, btw)
. . . the whole thing is very heartbreaking
. . . and i really appreciate that you're gonna bring your fight and energy into the battle against domestic violence
- side note: my wife's (first) name is "inge"
Posted by: alpine | February 20, 2021 at 01:57 PM
Orange
Love it! Lol
Posted by: AeroCane | February 20, 2021 at 02:16 PM
Same ole
Same ole
Alpine crying over the basketball team and the canes baseball team losing to the gators (7-3 - 6th inning)
Posted by: AeroCane | February 20, 2021 at 02:42 PM
8-4 in the 7th
Boo!
Posted by: AeroCane | February 20, 2021 at 03:18 PM
There beat before they get on the field. U didn't think a bunch of rookie weekend pitchers were going to tame the Gators?
By the way it looks like Pac Man is going to coach inside LB's.
Manny looking to hire some analysts from T A&M. His last name is Aristade or something along those lines. He will coach strikers but the good thing is he's supposed to be an excellent recruiter.
Basically will have to rookie's coaching LB's.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | February 20, 2021 at 04:39 PM
Herb
We have a bad coach and hire coaching inside LBs in patke
The new guy is an excellent recruiter (supposedly) and is a top up and comer. His dad is the principal of Miami northwestern
Posted by: AeroCane | February 20, 2021 at 04:49 PM
canes win in the 13th; lucky number
10-9
Posted by: alpine | February 20, 2021 at 05:57 PM
Alpine - that is wonderful news! Thank you
Posted by: AeroCane | February 20, 2021 at 08:13 PM
Canes up 8 - 0 in the 4th. Yes, you read that correctly. This freshman pitcher (besides a little control problems) is VERY GOOD!
Posted by: AeroCane | February 21, 2021 at 02:32 PM
now only 8-6
Posted by: alpine | February 21, 2021 at 04:14 PM
canes survived, wow
. . . a certain monkey just fell off the back
beat the gators for the first time i think since 2014?
should be good for their confidence!
. . . or great? fantabulous?
Posted by: alpine | February 21, 2021 at 04:51 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: 58 Straight | February 21, 2021 at 09:34 PM