Hello old friend,
For 18 years of my life you were my whole world. You were my outlet, my go-to and my motivation for just about everything. You were why I tried so hard in school. You are why I'm still, to this very day, one of the most competitive people you will ever meet.
I fell in love with you by the time I could walk. As far back as I can remember, I remember dribbling you up and down the sidelines while my mom and the has-beens played on the weekends. I can't think of a time in my life when I didn't have you, until now.
You taught me more about myself than any person or book ever has. You taught me what I could handle. You taught me that I am strong and more than "just a girl." You taught me that State was more than just a place. You taught me that a number means so much more. And most importantly, you taught me that my pain is only temporary.
At least 95 percent of my time from ages 5–18 were devoted to you. Even though I played three other sports, you took priority. You consumed my summers, my falls for pre-season and my springs for post-season. Because of you, I dreamed of playing ball for Pat Summitt, my hero.
I remember our last moments together. We were losing and I was shut down by a box-and-one. I remember crying uncontrollably in a visitor locker room because it was over. I remember unlacing the Nikes that I would never wear again. I remember feeling as if my heart had been ripped out of my chest because I would never play again. At 18 my heart broke in a way I will never be able to fully explain.
Now at 21, I love you just as much but in a different way. It's been nearly four years since I dribbled you down the floor for a fastbreak. Four years since I powerhopped you into the lane for a bucket. Four years since I ran out of the tunnel, my heart racing with anticipation. Four years since my last bus ride. Four years since I wore the number 13 on my back. Four years is way too long.
But don't worry old friend, we'll meet again someday. Someday when I have kids of my own. They'll love you just as much as I did. I'll teach them how to reverse pivot, shoot a jumper and do a powerhop just like my mom did. Until then, take care of the players who have you right now. Take care of the players who are giving you their all. Take care of the players who I used to be. Because someday they will be me, a has-been.
Love always,
Your friend #13
