giving basketball a "shot"

February 2014

Dear Mack,

At 6 you are just learning how to listen to a coach, how to wait your turn, and the difference between practicing and playing around.

You're learning words like baseline, key, half-court, and three point line.

You're learning how to jump-stop and hold the ball still while you figure out what to do next.

You're learning how to dribble, and how to keep your eyes up.

You're attempting to shoot a ball into a hoop and rebound whether you make the shot or even miss.

You're growing up.

And as I watch you give this thing called basketball a shot for the first time, I can't help but wonder what it will be like to watch you on this court 10 years from now.

Will you still be one of the tallest at 16?

Will you still have that grin that melts anyone you look at?

Will you still get embarrassed when the crowd's eyes are on you?

Will you still love basketball?

I'm so proud of you for trying something new. I hope you know how amazing you are at the age of 6

So for now, instead of wondering what you'll be like in 10 years, I think I'll savor each dribble, each grin, and each jump-stop while you're still 6 and look forward to the future trusting that anything and everything you do will always be awesome!.

One of your biggest fans,

Mommy