Thanks, Coach

I can’t help but be really sad about the passing of John Wooden.  Although he was 99 years old, it seems that he was taken from us too young.  You don’t have to be a UCLA fan to appreciate him and the legacy he left behind.  His influence reached far beyond Westwood.  He was an incredible coach.  But, even more than that, he was an incredible human being.  His words were so simple, yet so true.  And they are as true on the court as they are in everyday life.

Brayden got to be in his presence twice.  Once in utero at a basketball tournament and again when he was 10 months old at the same tournament.  He has a basketball signed by Coach in his room .  John Wooden’s characteristics embody everything that I hope and wish Brayden can grow up to be.  Selfless.  Humble.  Honest.  Competitive and driven, yet gracious.  A man who puts family first and isn’t afraid to love.  A man who lived life to the fullest until his very last day and never lost the sparkle in his eyes.

Some of my favorite quotes from John Wooden:

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”

I ran my second 5K on Saturday.  I had Chuck write this reminder on my hands:

(Really bad iphone pic)  ”Be quick but don’t hurry.”

Thank you, Coach.  Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.  Thank you for being a role model.  Thank you for inspiring us.  Our world is a better place because of you.