Dear Basketball,

From the first time I picked you up as a child, to my first high school game, I knew I loved you. I never realized how much you would change my life. I’m forever grateful for all the good times, memories, and friends I’ve made thus far because of you.

You taught me how to be strong and to fight through when life gets tough. When I was faced with rejection, I almost quit you. I lost sight of what you really meant to me in my life. It wasn’t all about being on the top team. Although it was a goal of mine, it wouldn’t have been right to give up on you so easily.

As the days went by, the desire to score the winning shot at the buzzer, dive on the floor for every loose ball, and to block shots became stronger. I put my blood, sweat, and tears into you because I loved you. I loved the swish sound of the perfect shot, the pounding of you on the court, and the cheering of my home crowd.

Before I knew it, I was in a place I had only dreamed of. I’m so glad I stuck with you because I don’t know what I’d do without you in my life. You made me feel like someone when nobody else cared. I could pick you up, practice my skills, and leave this world for awhile.

Time has flown by since the day we first met. I feel as if it were yesterday and forever ago at the same time. I realize that I won’t be able to play you forever, so I’ll cherish every moment, every second, that we have together. Until then, you’ll always be able to find me on the court with you. It’s my home.

Forever and always,

Olivia