I've always admired Lavell. He has set an example of compassion and integrity that is rare in the world of sports. Many young men who played for him will tell you that his influence has changed their lives.

Wow! Mr. Robinson, thank you for a wonderful article. Is it possible a story filled with good might generate enough interest from readers to make the "most commented" list--with praise and courtesy and absent negativity? Are we really attuned to more than just anger, harsh judgement or hatred? Is it possible for more of us to just enjoy a few moments of simple joy in the sharing of a story brimming with the true decency of mankind? So often the media bangs the drums of the dark, sensational or demeaning stories, we begin to believe that is all there is in the world; and so the cynicism grows and the cycle is perpetuated. Maybe if more of us demonstrate by our patronage of the civil and decent we might actually encourage the media to offer more than a continual stream of debasing pabulum. Then again, maybe that hope is floated on what many might judge to be so much naivety; I hope not, for the good of us all, I hope not.

I enjoyed that article very much. We all have stories not all like that, but in some way we all have those christmas stuggles when money is tight. It is those times we all remember rather than the times when money is abundant. It is also important to realize that great men like Lavell Edwards also had struggles to. But not all people are able to become what he has become, just a real special and likeable person. I remember a few years back he and his dad were at the DMV, I would imagine getting his dad taken care of. He and his dad walked by me and Lavell smiled and said hi. He didn't know who I was from Adam, but was courteous enough to acknowledge me. I will always remember that day.

I appreciated this article. I have seen how families can display love for each other. My family had long term illnesses that never did go away. Yet it has helped me in being patient and seeing beyond the physical ailments of others. I enjoyed my time at BYU and appreciated the teachers and coaches there. The school is special even though our daughter has experienced things there I wouldn't have expected at BYU. Example is the key to BYU greatness. I saw many more great people there then any other place in the world, of which I have been in many places. Thanks again for this article.

Thanks for the for the Lavell vignette. We could all use more feel-good stories like this.

I'm with David in WA. We should pause and fill this page with comments praising such exemplary acts of humanity, particularly during this season of the year. Lavell showed a noble spirit in his service to his family and showed there is a place for service AND athletic competition as a secondary cause. Athletic competition today is largely acrimonious and exclusive, but I don't feel that Lavell approached it that way because he seemed to have a proper perspective. Thanks for the article.

This column is a real Christmas gem of its own. I hope that Doug will continue to write more treasures like this.

Great article. Thanks for sharting another dimension to Lavell Edwards I didn't know about. I liked the comment about Lavell simply saying Hi to Mike B at the DMV. This is a man who never got too full of himself in spite of the reasons for him to do so. A great example for all of us when we think we have any reason to feel like we may be better than anyone else.

Thanks, Doug!