The title of this entry sounds a bit cliche, I admit. But it’s so true.

Ever had one of those times in your life where you feel as though nothing will ever go right? Times where you feel the world, nature, and even the laws of physics have somehow conspired to make sure that you don’t move forward?

I’m having one of those times. I’ve had one rollercoaster of a week (to say the least)… and despite forcing myself to “get right back on that horse,” I’d rather just spend the rest of my life in bed with the covers pulled up over my head.

But alas. That’s not an option every day. Heck, it’s not even an option today. 😉

So— the next best thing? My particular drug of choice— finding good stories.

Here’s a dose for today.

Johntel Franklin is a high school basketball captain. Anyone who knows athletes knows that they do a lot of preparation for “the big game.” Franklin was unable to prepare quite as much as his teammates, however— because his mom was starting to lose her 5-year battle with cervical cancer.

The day of the game, Franklin’s team (Milwaukee Madison) took to the court against Dekalb High. Franklin was not there… after telling his coaches he would not be able to play that day. He sat at his mom’s bedside as she passed away.

Sometime after her death, however, he changed his mind. He showed up for the game late in the second quarter, and asked if he might be able to play. Everyone agreed. But because he was not on the roster, Dekalb was offered two free throws for a technical foul. At this point, it was a close game, and every point counted.

Dekalb’s Darius McNeal stepped up to the line…. bounced the ball several times… and proceeded to miss both shots. On purpose.

Players and fans of both teams gave him a standing ovation.

Franklin went on to score ten points in the game— and Milwaukee Madison won comfortably. Both teams went out for pizza together afterward, and someone asked McNeal why he decided to do what he did.

“I did it for the guy who lost his mom … it was the right thing to do.”