If you’re from the south, then you know how serious we are about college football. “House divided” tags are commonplace across Alabama, and a bitter rivalry can call into question the strongest of friendships. But every now and then there are circumstances that surpass the games we play and remind us what’s really important. That’s what happened this weekend when Alabama head coach Nick Saban went out of his way to make a little girl’s dream come true.

Aubreigh Nicholas, 10, is like a lot of girls her age. She’s full of life, and an avid Tide fan. By all accounts she’s your typical Alabama girl, except for one major difference – she suffers from a rare and inoperable brain cancer known as DIPG.

Saturday, before kick-off, she visited Bryant-Denny, and the university made sure it was a day she would never forget.

Given V.I.P. access, Aubreigh and her family spent time with players, cheerleaders, and even Big Al. However, Aubreigh’s day was just getting started. As she approached the North end zone, there stood Coach Saban, waiting to make this little girl’s day as special as she is.

In pictures posted on Aubreigh’s Army Facebook page, Saban can be seen hugging and kissing the little girl on the head.

After the meeting, the Aubreigh’s Army Facebook page posted, “. . . Can’t say enough about the Army, the Bama Nation, and the University of Alabama for making a reality out of what was a week ago a long shot dream. Aubreigh like so many of our little curls has a die-hard allegiance to SEC football. What the Tide and the University did today, beyond words. . .”

The games we play matter, but people matter more. Keep up the fight Aubreigh, we’re for you!