I only met Wayman Tisdale once. Was never able cover any of his games or attend any of his jazz concerts. In fact, his playing days at the University of Oklahoma are only a hazy memory.

But, the one time I was able to come face to face with the Sooner legend, he left a lasting impression. Because when I met him, there was no reason in the world for him to be in a good mood or to welcome me with a smile. But that is what he did as he was getting his prosthetic leg fitted last summer. His leg had recently been amputated and he acted like we were discussing a game he was looking forward to playing in. Excited, enthusiastic and hopeful for what the outcome would be.

As soon it was announced that the 44-year-old Tisdale had died of complications to the cancer he had been fighting for two years, responses flew in from across the country. They included former college and pro teammates, coaches and friends in the entertainment business.

Almost all of them were asked what will be Tisdale’s legacy. Some dealt with his basketball skills.

“Wayman’s one of the biggest reasons why I chose Oklahoma,” former Sooner Stacey King said. “I wanted to be part of something special and it made logical sense to go to OU because I wanted to pattern my game after him. I wanted to be like him. People used to talk about ‘Be like Mike (Michael Jordan),’ but I wanted to be like Wayman. We’ve lost a special person. I don’t think there will ever be another Wayman Tisdale.”

Or his humanitarianism.

“Wayman Tisdale was not only a great athlete and musician, he was above all a great person,” OU President David Boren said. “He constantly demonstrated his care and concern for others and was a worthy role model for all of us young and old. The University of Oklahoma will always be proud of his association with the university.”

And his musical career.

“He was truly an inspiration to me, paving the way for an athlete like myself to pursue a passion for writing and performing music,” Bernie Williams, the former New York Yankees star turned jazz musician told The Associated Press. “I had the honor and privilege of having Wayman perform on the title track of my new album, and was looking forward to collaborating with him again.”

But regardless of who has offered their comments, I hear the same adjectives when describing him. What a great personality or how nice he was. Or just a class act.

When I spoke to him last year, he mentioned that his faith, his family and his outlook on life are what helped him stay positive through the entire ordeal of fining out he had cancer, the chemotherapy and the subsequent amputation. It still amazes me because when I sprain my ankle, I’m in a bad mood for days.

However, the way he handled his situation has been a lesson for me in several ways. First, to go to the doctor and get my self checked out regularly. Like most men, I have a laxed attitude when it comes to my physical well being.

But even more importantly, he showed everyone how to approach life when everything around you seems to be falling apart. It’s a lesson I first learned from my mother.

The way Tisdale dealt with his obstacles only reinforced a quote my mother made me learn by Charles Swindoll.

“I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so, it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.”