I Remember

article by PAUL LIPE

I remember an instance that occurred over 40 years ago, one that impacted our lives beyond measure. Yeah, that took place in the coaches office at North Carolina State basketball arena. Our family had traveled to North Carolina where we were celebrating Christmas with our relatives. While we were there, Jonathan received an invitation to watch a basketball practice at NC state, to meet some of the players, and the coach, Jim Valvano. In addition to Jonathan and I, my father-in-law also accompanied us on the trip. After practice we had a visit with some of the players and then with Coach Valvano. In his office he had assembled a number of things reminiscent of his successes as a basketball coach. Chief of which was his championship ring and his wedding band. As he was talking with Jonathan, he stood up, faced him, and said, “See this?” as he was pointing to his championship ring which he had won two years earlier. He said, “This ring was the hardest to get, and then, pointing to his wedding band, he said this one is far more important.” He had me in his pocket from that point on!

Jonathan visited several other colleges, including LSU, Georgia, Davidson, Louisiana tech, and Northeast Louisiana. And the final analysis, he decided to pursue an education in pharmacy rather than enjoying basketball for four more years that proved to be a wise choice because he had unimaginable success and provided adequately for his family. 

For Coach Valvano family came first. We are talking the same route for our family and the results have been satisfying and rewarding. Lessons we have learned from various sources can be helpful and fulfilling.