I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love basketball. It is, as they say, in my blood. My memories of my dad standing, yelling, waving, stomping his feet, uttering words I would get my mouth washed out with soap for using… all for the love of Indiana basketball. Like my dad, all of us attended IU. I witnessed Bobby Knight’s antics and Steve Alford’s record-setting free throws. And rivalries… we knew every team we were for or against.
I am all for cheering my team to the finish line whether they win or lose but I get a sick feeling in my stomach when the intensity turns to personal attacks. One famous rivalry was between Geno Auriemma and Pat Summit. I came across the article below and thought Coach Auriemma had some great comments on forgiveness, reflection, and some ways he has changed since Coach Summit retired due to Alzheimer’s.
What I would say to Coach Pat Summit
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Do you have some things you need to address with someone? What are you willing to do while there is still time?
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What are some specific steps you have taken that were effective in restoring damaged relationships?
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Do you share your conflict with anyone who will listen or do you try to contain the damage?
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How do you make peace with your past?
Tagged: Alzheimer's, Basketball, Geno Auriemma, Health, NCAA, Pat Summit, Sports, Stress
OverwhelmedByJoy 
When I have a problem in a relationship I ‘try’ to talk things out ..hear them and have them hear me.. ask for forgiveness if I believe I have been wrong somehow…For the most part it has helped me in restoring relationships… The only stumbling block I have run into is that the other person doesn’t ‘want’ to talk and sort things out or their preconceived ideas of what they believe to be the truth… is not open to the possibility that they are wrong or at fault in any way… Diane
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That is so true, Diane. A neighbor and I had that very conversation today. You can only do your half of the relationship and sometimes when you hit that impasse it is a challenge for the friendship to mature. I know it can even stall and die if the other person chooses that path.
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i used to be a rabid celtics fan when i lived in boston. i loved the barely contained personal rivalry between certain players, and how they worked it out in the confines for the game play. now i follow the patriots, but football is rapidly losing it’s appeal, the head-banging really bothers me. i hate seeing these men ram their perfectly good heads into each other.
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[…] Making Peace with the Past. […]
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