As the first month of 2010 rolls by already, I wish to present a synopsis of something I believe may be inspirational to all who read it. I happened upon this through being told the story that goes with the saying.

Coach Bryant, upon starting his career, happened upon a restaurant out in the country while looking for a prospective player for his team. He ate at a man’s restaurant and the man asked for his autograph and photo. He didn’t get the kid he’d gone to find to play for Alabama. However, he did remember to send the signed photo to the man. (This has to be the early 1960’s)

Many years later Coach Bryant was trying to get another kid to come and play for University of Alabama. The kid said he’d decided to go to Auburn (the rival team). However, the next day Coach Bryant got a phone call, the kid changed his mind after talking it over with his Grandpa. Guess who the Grampa was? Of course, the restaurant owner, who cherished the photo and hung it for years on the wall of the restaurant, a prized picture.

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In essence Coach Bryant promised to send a picture and autograph, the Grampa didn’t think a man like Coach Bryant would ever remember him, kept his word to send the photo and to Grandpa that was everything. Coach Bryant in telling the story one day said upon getting the call, “It really doesn’t cost anything to be nice, and the rewards can be unimaginable.”

At the end of the story is a quote by Stephen Grellet, a French/American religious leader (1733-1855):

“I expect to pass thru this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Steven Stansbury

New Iberia