I wanted to conclude my blogs with the true reasoning why I chose this topic. Growing up I thought sports was just a source of fun. That is true for many, however; I realized the true power of the game I loved when the bad days became longer and repetitive. Basketball became my safe haven. Last week my high school coach asked me to write a letter to the next player that is going to wear my jersey and what it meant to me. It goes to show that what you love should heal you. My letter is below.
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From being water boy in 2008 to graduating in 2019 this program gave me more than I ever imagined. It went from replaying games in my basement on my Nerf hoop to upsetting the #1 team in the state tournament. It gave me role models who guided me from a kid with a dream, to a man with reality. Although my dreams of cutting down the net and bringing down that banner became true, my only goal was to inspire just one person, just as many former players did for me. From Chris Barsanti, to Taquon Bradford, to TC Liptak, to myself, #3 holds a story.
My life was perfect until I heard a knock on the door and heard picture books being stuffed into trash bags. I lost a family member, my home, and at times my heart. There were days where I didn’t want to go to school because I was embarrassed, and tired from sleeping in an empty apartment with just a couch. I felt lost, but was quickly found because that jersey was waiting for me. What powers this jersey is a family that will pick you up when you are at your lowest.
The jersey was my gateway to a safe haven. It was what I looked at in my closet each morning, knowing that if I could just get to that day, everything would be better. You don’t realize how special things are until everything else is taken away. This jersey was my armor that protected me from shit that shook me to the core, and it brought optimism to a broken family. This jersey was my opportunity to bounce back. It was always waiting for me and so were my brothers.
And now this jersey waits for you. Treat it with pride. Treat it with respect. Give that number meaning beyond the stat sheet. Give back to the people who guide you and have some fun. After each game hug someone you’re thankful for because these glory days don’t last forever. This number isn’t just about you, it’s an invitation to write your own story guided by the values of your family, team, and community.
Go for your dreams. You’re the only person who can say you can’t accomplish them.
Leave your mark.
Welcome to the brotherhood.
Griffin Jackson #3
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We all have a story, a time of adversity. Share it. It’s not a cry for pity, it’s helping the one’s who need to hear perseverance. Lastly, cherish the things in life that will never leave you, no matter the day.