I cried and then I smiled. Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, I followed Cassius Clay, a young promising boxer through a career that took him, as Muhammad Ali, to the title of heavyweight champion of the world.

Yet even more impressive than his athleticism in the ring was his conviction and compassion as a human being. Ali was a caring man and a true humanitarian.

As a pediatrician, I had the privilege and honor of providing medical care for one of his children. While his charming wife Lonnie usually brought their son to my office, The Champ would sometimes accompany her.

Muhammad Ali lit up a room with his presence, wit and charisma, yet it was never about him. Sure he often played to the camera and bantered how “pretty” he was, but when talking with him individually, he focused on the person and made them feel special.

I always tried to slip him in and out of my office inconspicuously when he came, using a side entrance. One day, about an hour after his son’s appointment was concluded and goodbyes said, I walked out to the waiting room. To my surprise Ali was still there. He had a mesmerized toddler on his lap and was performing magic tricks for some older children. The kids had no idea he was celebrity, but were drawn to him like The Pied Piper and gleefully enjoying the interaction.

I feel fortunate to have known Ali as the wonderful caring man he was and not just the skilled athlete. Seeing him interact with children showed the child in his heart.

Muhammad Ali was a man of conviction, belief, courage and fortitude. And one of the most giving men on the planet. He battled gallantly in the ring, with public opinion and with his health, and did so with class and a firm desire of what was right. Always with that luminous smile only he possessed.

Yes he will be missed, for which I cried. No, he will never be forgotten, for which I smiled. He will always be The Greatest to me.

Thank you, Champ!