"Coarch Campbell" Only Boo-ma could say it like that!

     From the time we moved back to Lincolnton, "Coarch Campbell" was a part of my family's life.  My granddaddy used to play setback in the winter months on Monday nights.... and as Boo-ma would say, "Coarch Campbell" was coming to play.  He was half the age of all the men, but they loved having him be a part of their group.  When Har died, my daddy replaced him and became part of the "Setback Club".  Several times a year, these men would come to the house and play cards.... but mostly, they would eat and talk.  That is when I learned that men gossip way more than women.  I wasn't allowed around the table, but I could come into the kitchen and snack.  Each of these men held a special place in my heart. 
     Jim and Guille were a part of the Red Devil teams when they were in high school.  Neither of them were outstanding, but both of them learned discipline under this hard-core coach.  They never gave up, they never quit, and they never felt like they weren't the best.  They stood on the sidelines just as proud as if they were the star running back or quarterback.  They didn't get much playing time, but they learned a lot from the experience.  I don't think either of them would have changed the way things were done back then. 
     As I grew older and got to high school, my dream was to cheer for the Red Devils.  I was fortunate enough to cheer for three state championship teams.  Even though we were not good my senior year, none of the games were as memorable as the first lost to Washington in fourteen years.  I remember standing outside the locker room crying and Coach Campbell came up to me and said, "I'm sorry Monkey! It's my fault".  And that  is who he is.... he always blamed himself. 
     My favorite class my senior year was being his aide 6th period.  I am sure each week when I typed up the play card to be laminated he would get a chuckle at the misspelled letters and plays.  I remember him leaning over me at my desk telling me that is supposed to be an L meaning go left... he was trying to teach me the game... I still don't know it!  Back in the "good ole days"... all the 6th period aides would run to the drugstore and get a snack, play spades in his office, and hide out from our real duties.  We all loved coming to his office.  The morning after the athletic banquet when I was crushed I didn't get an award, he called me to his office and sat me on the couch.  He looked me in the eye and said, " I know you are hurt, but I want you to realize this isn't everything.  You are going to be rewarded one day for your hardwork.  I want you to think about what is important.  Look at my situation right now and think about how hard it is.  This really isn't that important and you are going to be much better because of this."  Coach Campbell's family had just been through a tragic event.  His nephew was paralyzed in a car accident and the other one was killed.  He taught me perspective that morning.  He taught me that I needed to focus on other things.  He taught me that I needed to get back up after being punched in the gut.  I chuckle now to think about that night.  Everything happens for a reason, and I have been rewarded tenfold in my life.  While it hurt then, I know that the experience has made me a fighter for what I want.  It also taught me perspective.
     After graduating college and working for two years, Mark decided we needed to move to Greenville.  The week after I found out, it just so happened that Coach Campbell was sitting at the table playing cards when I told him.  As soon as he went on break, he picked up the phone and started calling all his South Carolina buddies to find me a job.  His heart is bigger than most, and I think the older he has gotten... his heart has grown more and more.  Some may see that as a fault.... that he wants everyone to be happy.... but I see it as love.  It's true... when you talk to him... he listens, he understands, and he cares.  But... he will always take the opportunity to hear the other side as well.  I have seen it many times with the kids.  Some that I thought should be hung up by their toes... he always knows more to the story.  I have especially learned this the past two years.  He doesn't write people off.... he gives chances... he gives learning opportunities...and he gives them a chance to do right.  His heart is big! 
     I feel blessed to have been his student, his co-worker, and his friend.  He has supported me when no one else has.  I will miss his five minute voice messages, his scribble-scrabble writing of notes on folders and envelopes, his twenty minute conversations to tell me a one minute thing.... but most importantly, I will miss his guidance.  I feel sure I will still have to call him to ask if this is right or wrong in a situation, but I'll try my best to keep those limited to my own children. 
     Thank you Coach Campbell for being special to my family while I was growing up, to my family now... and for being a "hero" to my children.  I am not sure who will replace you, but I feel sure that they will never be able to pick up a cell phone, swerve all over the high school parking lot missing cars, and drive like you do while trying to answer.  I will keep check on them out of my window at the board office... they will never be as good as you doing it though!