"Empathy is Weatherproof"

Waiting with such anticipation, for what? Will the Centennial State's Front Range receive what's expected? How many feet of snow from this alleged brute? It's getting a slow start. However, shovel and broom are prepped for heavy duty. Soon. I think. Who knows. Back in the days at CBS Denver, we'd always joke the weather folks had the best job. Why? Get it wrong and blame Mother Nature. This much I do know. It's been expressed before in this space: What a blessing, for a few hours, to hang each Friday with HOF Colorado Buffaloes Football coach Bill McCartney. As most know, he's fighting the good fight with Alzheimer's. Yesterday we were watching the Tournament Players Championship. I'd jump up every once in a while to try and demonstrate how the pros are teaching me a few things about a better swing. Very quickly, a guy who knew from the tender age of seven that coaching was his calling, instructs, "You gotta widen your stance a bit. It will help with balance and follow through." Always a coach. Damn good one at that. We also talked a lot about his gorgeous bride of 50 years, Lyndi. We all miss this fabulous human, wife, mother and friend. "Lyndi Marie, cute as can be!" is one of coach's favorite lines. So sweet and true. As two buddies watched golf the conversation about an incredible woman turned to her wonderful abundance of empathy for others. I reminded coach of a time long ago. Channel 4 was "Home of the Buffs." We televised all the Buffs games the national networks didn't pick up. I was the "Buff Guy." Hosted Coach Mac's television show and did the sideline reporting on telecasts with, first, Ron Zappolo then Les Shapiro and David Logan in the booth. The powerful and nationally-ranked Buffs are hosting Iowa State and not playing well. I can't even remember what I asked McCartney as he was heading for the locker room. Whatever question I asked, and I'm sure it was not the greatest, the fuming coach bellowed, "That's the dumbest questions I've ever heard!" and sprinted to the locker room. We've laughed about it forever. "You'll never forget that will you?" McCartney will say with a big smile. He's right. There's another thing about that moment I'll never forget. It centers on Lyndi and empathy. You see, spouses play a big role in this coaching business. They watch their significant other like a hawk. Lyndi had seen her hubby rip into a young sports guy (many saw it on television too) and, the next day, reached out to me. "Mark, please don't take it personally." Lyndi had an endless supply of empathy for others. It's hard to believe it's been almost eight years since her passing. However, the amazing grace and pearls of wisdom the mother of four displayed for 70 years will never be forgotten and should often be emulated. Empathy. Use it often. If this, forecasted, monster snowstorm is a bust? Local weathercasters will need some and, good news for all of us, empathy is waterproof. #goodbetterbest