Dear Basketball,

You were there for me since I was 2 years-old. Thank you, basketball, for impacting my life in a numerous amount of ways. If it wasn’t for you, I would not be the person that I am today. I will not ever forget you and all that you have done for me.

Thank you for teaching me how to be a hard worker, and to never give up when things get tough. Winning games did not come easy, even when some games were. Each person on the court had a job to do.

We could not slack ever.

We had to get the job done. Literally blood, sweat, and tears were shared during practices and games. If you did not show at least one of those bodily fluids, did you even work hard? If you wanted to be #1, you had to practice and play like you were #1.

Thank you for being my escape. My escape from school work, from drama with family, and any kind of problems a young adult faces. Basketball, you saved me from trouble. I always depended on you to block out the real world. Even if it was only for 2 and half hours. I could not have done it without you.

Basketball, thank you for all of the memories I’ve made with my teammates throughout the years. I made lifelong friends through you. You helped me be a part of something amazing.

You were my first love. My first passion. You have taught me life lessons and showed me how to become a better version of me.

Even though I do not play you religiously anymore, that does not mean I don’t love you any less.

Thank you.

Forever Yours,

A long-past Player