A “Kleenex Alert” may have been a good idea…. SI 60 Q&A: Alexander Wolff on the life and love of John Wooden. And he loved it, almost giddy afterward, a competitor for one more night, pulling the very best he had to offer out of himself at age 97, and giving everyone a show. Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest. You make me smile today! “The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” ― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court. Two years ago this month, his tireless caretaker, Tony Spino, wheeled him onto the Nokia Theatre stage, Wooden none too happy because he wanted to walk out with Vin Scully.

And in that – you both give and receive beautiful love. Wooden was a talented coach, teacher, and leader, and much can be learned from his philosophy.
He was a student of Abraham Lincoln and worshipped his own father, suggesting everyone’s mother and father should be first on the list to be revered. Wonderful thoughts, Tess… (and I WILL be running this week!! and I really believe that’s because, within each of us, there is a deep connection to LOVE. From his wife to his career to his belief structure. California ... To say it is a sad day would be to risk meeting him again, and getting that look from John Wooden. And the thing is…whatever life holds for each of us…whatever that is…there is good in that. John Wooden's life was a love letter. Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke talks about experiencing COVID-19. As always, Wilma…know, though, that I deeply appreciate all that you share, and share so openly. On the table in his condo is a stack of inspirational sayings, which are designed to reveal a new passage every day.

I will also treasure our little jokes about mixing up Sally Rand the stripper with Sally Ride the astronaut, and the mock outrage for naming a post office after someone who drank moonshine during Prohibition. At one point, it was as if everyone in the audience was leaning forward with him as he tried to tie the youngster’s shoes.He talked that evening about courting Nellie while they were together in high school, although his coach had a rule that no dating was allowed during the season.When asked about religiously breaking that rule, Wooden said, “I’d hardly call it religiously.”And what would he have done as a coach if one of his players had done the same thing?“Depends on what kind of player he was, of course” he said with a twinkle.Four months shy of turning 100, “ninety-nine is a long time too,” he rasped with a hint of exasperation between Wooden Classic basketball games this past December, he’s no longer with us.In the next few days there will be all kinds of stories about the legendary basketball coach, the games, players, and great memories. I actually think the kind of love And loyalty he lives is much more common than we might think, or maybe I’ve just been lucky to know some amazing people like him.Sweet beyond compare. @Patricia – Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker — Hi Patricia. But maybe it’s really Nellie, Nellie’s memory and his love for his wife more than anything that explains Wooden’s legacy, or John Bob, as his wife of 53 years called him. Very inspiring and comforting as I also am trying to share love stories to change the world! Be grateful. And then, with his passing, they all came rushing back to me. And it’s beautiful to see. Conceit is self-given. Moving but says it all………Love, Loyalty and Balance!

What a gift Coach Wooden has been, indeed…I had come across this earlier last week while compiling some of my Wooden resources. @Hilary – Hi Hilary. @Suzie – Hi Suzie. Someone will refer to him as the “Wizard of Westwood,” and he just hated being called that -- a little dismayed upon the dedication two years ago to find it prominently noted on his plaque in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Hmmm….that’s an interesting word. Statewide in California, the transmission rate of COVID-19 has stabilized or is falling, and hospitalization rates are also dropping.For swaths of the U.S. with concentrated Chinese populations, WeChat is a way of life. What a wonderful way to look at life…everlasting life!! Ten months shy of turning 100, “ninety-nine is a long time too,” he rasped with a hint of exasperation between Wooden Classic basketball games this past December, he’s no longer with us. When we think of a sports coach…LOVE (sweet, tender, caring LOVE) is probably not our first thought. Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. Business. People like Coach Wooden remind us that we can keep our hearts open no matter what happens to us, and we can let love flow through us regardless of our circumstances. He meant so much to so many, but it was the only girl he ever dated and then married who meant the most to him -- a love letter written from husband to wife on the 21st of every month to mark her death. John Wooden’s Love Letter (4:35) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar speaks about Coach John Wooden (2:14) Pursuing Victory With Honor and the Teacher-Coach (10:42) The Essential Wooden (4:06) Tribute to UCLA Coach John Wooden (1910-2010) (5:09) Wooden Recites a Poem on Growing Older (0:39) Wooden Recites a Poem on Setting an Example (1:01) What are kids?” he would sternly say. That shines through so brightly in this video. The room went quiet as he gave this marvelous speech about getting the opportunity to be with Scully and help sick kids.“On behalf of the Wooden family,” he said with a grin beginning at each corner of his mouth, “we would like to present this to you as a token of our appreciation.”Inside the box was the hideous singing bass that my daughter and I have jokingly traded over the years, Wooden visibly thrilled to be in on the family one-upmanship, and delighted he had played his part to perfection.Who knew the man who inspires almost pope-like treatment could be so devilish?I will also recall the end of that evening, Scully graciously stepping aside so Wooden might sit center stage, 7,000 admirers standing, applauding and so unlike Los Angeles — in no hurry to leave.And he loved it, almost giddy afterward, a competitor for one more night, pulling the very best he had to offer out of himself at age 97, and giving everyone a show.There will be all kinds of personal remembrances from one end of the country to the other, some as simple and as powerful as something written in one of his books and what it has meant to someone.But maybe it’s really Nellie, Nellie’s memory and his love for his wife more than anything that explains Wooden’s legacy, or John Bob, as his wife of 53 years called him.Wooden lived what he preached, as sound a road map as anyone might want to follow, and while obviously in no hurry to die, he did so at peace with the prospect of even happier days ahead with the woman he loved.A few years back, moved by such devotion, one of his former players, Swen Nater, put it in a poem, “Yonder,” which Wooden recited from memory near the end of Scully & Wooden.Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our © 2020 Advance Local Media LLC.
and I know exactly what you mean…how might I have applied myself differently with love as more of a focus…always.