When these types of letters reach my inbox, I step back and take time to reflect on the things in life that really matter.

On this solemn day in our nation’s history, I share (with his permission) Bill Meehan’s note and hope you too will gain some perspective.

Bill (L) and his brother, Dan (R) were kind enough to stop by the book signing Thursday in Manhattan, just blocks from Ground Zero.

9/9/09

Coach Cal,

I have no idea if this will reach you or not, but I’m hoping whomever it goes to will pass it along. Hopefully I don’t get too long-winded. I just saw the report that you’ve pledged portions of the proceeds from your book to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and wanted to thank you for being such a generous person. 

I graduated from UK in 2004 and happened to be on campus on that tragic day – 9/11/01 – the day I lost my father, Bill Meehan. He had simply gone to work to do what he loved as the Chief Market Strategist for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th Floor of the North Tower. He was also an avid UK basketball fan and loved the Cats. We lived in Lexington from 1980-1993 before moving to the Northeast (though both my brother, Dan, and I returned to Lexington to go to UK) but he caught every UK game he could.

I won’t ramble on any more than I already have as I know you’re a busy guy (thanks to Twitter, ha). If you’d like to read more about my dad you can do so here. And here’s what I wrote on the 5th anniversary about my experience that day and some thoughts for the future.

Anyway, I just wanted to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude, both as someone who lost his father on 9/11 as well as a UK grad and fan, for your generous donation to help to build a memorial where one day I can bring my kids to tell them about the grandpa they never knew as well as a place to go when I want to “visit” my dad since that is his cemetery. . .

Keep up the great work you’re doing, both with the basketball team and as a representative of UK and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I can’t imagine anyone more fit for the job and you’ve far exceeded any expectations I ever had and know you will continue to strive for the best. 

We’re proud to call you our coach. Go Big Blue!

Best,

Bill Meehan