Today via email I received a link to an ESPN story from a fan of this blog and almost ditched it in the trash. It came from a male that I have always suspected might watch too much sports on TV - and, I was skeptical that it was something worth looking at, let alone blogging about. He hinted that it was really inspiring, so I thought maybe it was some professional baseball player “scratching” for luck in the bottom of the 7th. A little sports entertainment is always good, so I took a peep.
To my surprise, it was not a “scratcher” - it was something amazing that should be available to the world beyond ESPN - the world of Oprah. The link to the video is provided below. I won’t spoil the story for you, but I do want to point out that I think it could be the start of “It’s a Wonderful Life - the Summer Sequel.” It’s got a crippled youngster and a lesson for all mankind.
This story is NOT about saving someone’s life. . .it’s NOT about feeding the starving masses. . .it’s about automatically thinking about what is the right thing to do in the moment - even if it could cause you to lose.
So, take a look at the video. Show it to your children. Keep a box of tissues handy. It has served as a reminder that I can make difference in another human being’s life just by doing something unexpected - the best type of kindness.
Take a look - and, be changed.
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3380875
snooperpup
Nancy Nadolski said,
May 7, 2008 at 12:07 pm
This is what Title 9 is all about.
Jess said,
May 7, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Yes, fully admit it, I teared up…glad it made the O cut!
Also teared up at this
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/373002.html
The epitomy of what a good coach is, the impact one can have on countless kids, and truly boiling to down to what is most important in life ; - )
Go Worrell Family!
When good stories… are just plain good stories « PR Musings Weblog said,
May 7, 2008 at 1:17 pm
[...] media links half a dozen times in the past day. Forwarded from male sports fanatics, my mother, my colleagues, and former media colleagues I haven’t spoken to in years. Haven’t seen it yet? You [...]
Roni said,
May 8, 2008 at 2:21 am
As you know, Stephanie, I too went down in the middle of a game with a torn ACL that changed my life. That clip brings those days back to me and the many life lessons I learned on the court and the field. Your blog also brings back the memories of a 16 year old Stephanie who totally believed in the good of all people and in the destiny of a small town high school softball team. It was a privilege to be on that team that learned to believe in “us” by believing in you. Keep it up!
Johanna said,
May 8, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Stephanie - Thank you for sharing the clip with me. I’ll be showing it to my boys (6 and 4) to remind them about the spirit of sportsmanship and that it is always more important to do the right thing. This shows us that you always win when one shows displays strength of character and being good to ones neighbor.
Julie Fredericksen said,
May 8, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Well, Ellen had them on yesterday, so Oprah will probably follow suit!
Hi, I’m the aunt of Lisa Fredericksen Kelly, who sent me this link. Her daughter, Erin Kelly, is in one of your husband’s classes.
snooperpup said,
May 9, 2008 at 1:02 am
Lisa, thanks so much for your comments. Yeah for Ellen!!