Funeral for a Friend

I went to a wake last night-- A fond farewell to an old friend. Like many of these events it got a little raucous as evening dribbled into night. Family shared stories; there was more laughter than tears.

I had to blink fast a few times and cope with a basketball-sized lump in my throat at others when I realized that after all these years this would be the last time I would see her like this.

The Grande Dame has been more stately than beautiful in her final days, but in her time was quite a player. In the 60's, she did "it" twice in one night with Mick Jagger. Five years later it was Elvis Presley-- The King-- that she had a "date" with.

Of course, that was no lady. That was Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.

And, oh, by the way, there was a basketball game. Auburn beat division-leading Mississippi State, 89-80. On Senior Night Auburn's four senior scorers combined for 73 points.

Throw in a nicely put together video highlight reel and men who will always hear the echoes of the Beard-Eaves for the last time cutting down the nets, and you have a fine send off.

This isn't the end for Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum, though. The building can expect an extended life as educational funding woes will likely prevent Auburn University from demolishing the structure to build something else for several years. In the meantime, Beard-Eaves will continue to host functions such as this spring's Will Graham ministries, commencement exercises, and dozens of offices and classrooms.

But the glory days have passed-- the big concerts, championships, celebrations and, yes, a few tears-- and last night was a fitting final hurrah for the grand lady and her family.