Playing Until the End

I don't follow NBA basketball anymore.  I know players, but my view of them is different than how I viewed those from my childhood who are the greats:  Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and of course, Michael Jordan.  It has been years since these men have hit the court, but people remember their name, their talent, and some pretty awesome shots.

Today is April 13th.  Kobe Bryant will play his last game tonight after 20 years in the NBA.  He started his career as a kid.  He was 17 years old and fresh out of high school when he was drafted.  He is now 37 years old and is lacing up his shoes (and they really are his shoes...they have his name on them...Nike has made them just for him) for the last time.  In November, he wrote a piece entitled, "Dear Basketball" letting us all know that his body was telling him no more.

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/dear-basketball/

What a legacy he has left.  He has become one of the greatest.  People love him because he is so good.  People hate him because he is so good.  Like all of us, there are things in his past that are not so good, but there are lots of things that are great.  

As we prepare to watch Kobe tonight in his last game, remember about falling down and getting up.  This is the toughest stretch of school.  How do you handle adversity?  How do you handle the days when you feel like the students have checked out and you were just talking to the wall?  How do you handle situations when your body and mind says "no more", but your heart says "keep going"?  Dig deep and get to the root of your passion.  Face each day with a positive attitude and, if needed, a cup of coffee.  Live like today may be your last day to lace up your sneakers...and do what you need to do to leave a great legacy.