Dear Soccer

Dear Soccer,

I have loved you my whole life.

From the day I laid eyes on you and touched your black and white hexagonal pattern,

to scoring countless hat tricks,

I couldn’t believe I had found such a deep connection to someone.

You bonded me to so many people.

You helped me believe in myself.

You put a smile on my face.

You gave me hope,

gave me courage,

gave me a dream,

gave me two best friends,

gave me another family,

gave me something to look forward to after a long day of school,

gave me joy in life, like basketball never could those days.

I played through everything.

Pain.

Suffering.

Bones shattering.

The streaks of blood and bruises the color of the night sky rushing across my legs,

That achy feeling in the morning, when you lay a step on this planet.

I gave you everything I could,

Truly.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough.

My mind was all in.

My body could take it,

My heart was always in,

But time wasn’t.

However, your challenging self

pushed me to be relentless and brave.

It taught me how to be tough,

It taught me determination,

It taught me to never give up or surrender.

I didn’t realize the clock was running out,

But when it did, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I had to choose between you and your friend, Basketball.

I didn’t have time to keep you both.

I wish time would have ceased,

so I could breathe in and out, for a final shot.

Because a part of me shattered when I realized I couldn’t continue to enjoy the beauty of this game.

September 26, 2021.

This day hurt.

It was hard to let you go.

I wish I could get you back,

but there’s nothing I can do now.

The game you created has been so beautiful because of the creativity that lies from within.

People are able to challenge their minds with endless possibilities.

Luckily, before I let go of you, I was able to learn your secret: the power of one’s mind.

I’ll always love you and everything you gave me.

I’ve learned so much from the dynamic energy of the game,

and I’ll never forget all the brilliant and glorious memories that you gave me.

Thank you.

Maybe someday, I’ll find my way back

to a ball with black and white hexagonal patterns.

But for now,

I have already said peace out to you.

But Coach Jose would tell me

さようなら (sayonara).

Sincerely,
Gabby