Once I Was Afraid of Dying

Grab the tissues and watch the video. During the past 24 hours Coach John Wooden was been referred to as a leader of men, icon, someone who made you want to be a better person, humble, loyal, one of a kind, and loving husband.

You can read all about his life and achievement, and they are many. But the thing that is probably least understood about Coach Wooden was his steadfast devotion to his wife Nellie. Nellie was John's childhood sweetheart. They met when he was 14 and were married six years later. They celebrated 52 years together before Nellie passed away of cancer on March 21, 1985.

Since her death, John Wooden has written a love letter to his beloved wife on the 21st of every month, placed in an envelope and added it to a stack of similar letters on the pillow she slept on during their life together.

In 2003, UCLA dedicated the basketball court in Pauley Pavilion in honor of John and Nell Wooden. Named the "Nell and John Wooden Court," Wooden asked for the change from the original proposal of the "John and Nell Wooden Court," insisting that his wife's name should come first.

Former player, Swen Nater wrote the following poem titled Yonder for John Wooden after being inspired by John's life-long devotion to Nellie.

Once I was afraid of dying.
Terrified of ever-lying.
Petrified of leaving family, home and friends.
Thoughts of absence from my dear ones,
Drew a melancholy tear once.
And a lonely, dreadful fear of when life ends.
But those days are long behind me;
Fear of leaving does not bind me.
And departure does not host a single care.
Peace does comfort as I ponder,
A reunion in the Yonder,
With my dearest who is waiting for me there.