Are you a sports fan? I don’t mean the casual type.
Today’s story is from Jenna Lazenby.
You dream in team colors. The night before games, you don’t sleep. If you’re into sports, you know my dad.
Jenna and her father, Roland Lazenby
Roland Lazenby has written more than five-dozen books on basketball and sports. He’s appeared on ESPN Sports, CNN, NBC and Fox News. My dad shakes hands with the best in the game. They smile, wave, and often call out his first name. Kobe Bryant, Tex Winter, Phil Jackson… to name a few.
I’ve always been able to bask a bit in Dad’s light. Like when I was 20 years old, we flew to Chicago and after a game, I joined players and press in the locker room. There I was standing next to The Man, Michael Jordan.
Of all those encounters, one sticks with me most. There was no roaring crowd. That’s when Dad showed his character, and taught me a lesson that lives to this day.
Dad was teaching a journalism class at Virginia Tech. I was right there, taking classes as a graduate student. We met to grab lunch. Dad stopped. A janitor was mopping the floor. The two shook hands. Dad greeted him by name.
“How’s the family?” Dad asked. “And your daughters?”
(That’s when he introduced me.) “And your wife?” Dad clearly knew this man’s life.
The conversation went on…and on. I grew a little impatient. It’s way past lunchtime, I thought. At last, Dad was done. A smile. A handshake. We continued to walk.
“Dad,” I said, puzzled (perhaps somewhat annoyed). “What was that all about? How do you know a janitor so well?”
I’d seen Dad chat up lots of folks. He made friends easily. But, a janitor? I found this strange. Dad suddenly stopped. He shot me a serious look.
“Jenna, some shoot balls. Some mop floors.
I don’t care what men do. I care who they are. That ‘janitor’ is a quality guy.
So is Michael Jordan. Treat quality people exactly the same.”
Dad’s message stuck. I’ve been fortunate to meet many high profile people since that day. I also know remarkable folks of no fame. They all enrich my life in wonderful ways.
Last week, at a conference in Vancouver, I spent an hour chatting with the woman cleaning my hotel room. Wisdom, hardship and joy — her story and new friendship were my highlight that day.
Roland Lazenby, my dad —
A father’s advice?
Treat quality people exactly the same.
great advise jenna. and i’m not surprised. your pop is a classy guy. i knew you when you were barely out of diapers. roland and i worked together at the staunton leader newspaper back in the 70s and early 80s. i was a couple years ahead of him at vmi. his is a rare talent and he’s worked hard for all he’s gotten. tell him ‘hi’ for me when you can, and give him my e-mail. would love to hear from him. i often think about him.
Hi Meredith,
Sorry for the late reply. I just saw this. Thank you for the kind words. I will definitely tell dad you said hello. I don’t see where your email address shows up, but you can find him on Twitter pretty easily.
Take care!
Jenna