The Power of Love and WU

Last week we learned that our beautiful friend is entering the final chapters of her wonderful life. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 16 months ago, she has battled courageously, her family and friends at her side. Unfortunately, her body is unable to maintain such a battle, such rigors of an undeserved war. She is home now, comfortably surrounded by the people in her life that love her and have battled along side her in prayer.

Sherry is a devoted Shocker fan. She and her entire family are huge Shocker followers, both basketball and baseball. Until this year, while undergoing treatment, she rarely missed a game. The final game of the season, she rested for two days in order to attend the game versus Stanford. She loves her Shockers. And her Shockers love her.

On Saturday morning, Sherry received a visitor. Someone she adores. Someone she never thought would visit her at home.

Sherry received a visit from WU Shock. With an Easter bouquet in his arms, Wu arrived at Sherry's home, greeted by Sherry's children, husband, and friends. Sherry didn't know WU was coming. She'd been told to expect a special guest, a rather big, somewhat intimidating special guest. Her guess of the rock singer, Meatloaf, was hysterically incorrect, but maybe we can work that visit in as well.

WU entered the home, led by Piper and Josh, Sherry's children, to give Sherry her flowers. She was surprised and amazed. Later, she said she was honored, never believing that WU would ever visit her, especially in her home. WU spent about a half hour with the family, Sherry insisting that everyone take pictures with her and her friend WU. It was the best half hour I have spent in a long, long time.

Sherry's smile and energy during that visit was contagious and for that moment, the dark clouds were dispersed and there was such a powerfulness in the room. That power I attribute to love. The great love of family and of friends. And the power of WU. We should never underestimate the power of either. For WU brought a gift to Sherry and her family that day, his presence alone eased their burden, if only for that morning. He became their personal mascot, their personal friend. Something they will, and I will, never forget.

Many thanks to the WSU Foundation, WSU, University Relations, and WSU Athletics for their understanding, not just of the power of WU, but of the power of knowing when to be there for friends of this community, especially those who I consider part of our WSU family.