Thursday, July 17, 2014

Stuart Scott, More than Booyah

Last night I found myself sitting down with a few extra moments to end the day. Normally I would use that time to simply flip through my twitter feed, scroll through Facebook postings or even check the channels on the television and find some brainless show to occupy the time. Last night was going to be different.

By now, many of you have heard, or even discussed, the moving speech given by ESPN's Stuart Scott as he accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPY's. This award named after the legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano is given to someone of high character who has been affected by an unimaginable turn of events in their life.  

Here is Mr. Scott's story: 

Many of us have loved ones that are faced with life-altering diseases or a circumstance that changes our normal or a series of events that no longer allows us to live as we once we did. Personally I have lost childhood friends, college classmates and as an adult have tended the bedside of ailing family and friends. Too many times our story ends in tears shed and lives remembered.

You too have been faced with adversity. You too have watched others struggle. We each have our stories with one no worse, or better, than another. 

What moved me to share this event was Mr. Scott's ability to articulate not only his fight, but his unwavering love of life and his desire take on this challenge. He made me feel his commitment to his persevere. He shared the love of his family, especially his daughters, and his need to feel normal when life was anything but. 

As you watch his acceptance speech (see link below) allow his words to be those of others that you know that continue to overcome daily challenges. Yes, he has the degree and the life experiences to be as eloquent as he is, however I would argue that his words are those of so many individuals that are faced with similar challenges each day. He truly defines what perseverance is. Keep up the fight Mr. Scott. You are an inspiration to so many.


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