This past weekend, I had a major flashback to someone who provided kindness and help at one of the times I needed it most. But not just anyone —a famous college football coach.
The year was 1990, and I was flying home from a Florida spring break trip with an Ohio University sorority sister. During a long layover in Atlanta, the airline announced that anyone who gives up their tickets and stays the night gets free tickets to use anytime throughout the next year.
Sign us up!
As we stood at the airline desk, my friend looked over and said, “That’s John Cooper!”🤩
Me, “Who?”
“The Ohio State University football coach!” she unbelievably stated.
Now, in my defense, my friend probably knew this because she had dated an OSU football player who was coached by Cooper.
Next thing we know, Coach Cooper, his wife, and daughter are standing at the airline desk with us to claim their free tickets. Taking a chance, I asked Coach Cooper where they were staying for the night…we were two girls from OU, and we needed help (and I may have thrown in that my friend had dated one of his players…).
“Follow me, girls,” said Coach Cooper, as we ran through the airport’s underground walkway. “You can share a cab with me and my family.”
We reached a hotel, and Coach Cooper talked to the front desk and made sure we got safely to our room. 🙏
Flash forward, and I’m at last weekend’s OSU vs. OU tailgate — and who walks by but Coach Cooper.
I went up and recounted his kindness and how he saved me and my girlfriend in the big city of Atlanta.
He smiled and laughed, and I gave him a big hug.
So, remember, you’re never too big or successful to help someone who asks.
“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
— Ronald Reagan
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