My oldest princess, Mackenzie, played her final high school basketball game last night – ever.
Ouch…ever?
I love basketball. I love the team aspect of the game. I love the fundamental focus of the girls game.
I love my girls. And the fact that 50% of my 4 girls love basketball too….thank you Jesus.
Mackenzie was 5 years old when the YMCA was desperate for a dad to “coach” her little team and the whistle just happened to fit around my neck. And for 8 of the next 13 seasons I had the blessing of being her coach. She is a senior this year, and last night she shot her last free throw, swatted her last shot, bounced passed her last assist, and cleared the block for her last rebound.
You played the game with joy Mackenzie. You played the game as a team member. You gave maximum effort every time you laced up your high tops. From wherever I sat to watch you – from the bench as your coach, to the top row of the stands with the other dads, you made me proud.
Thank you.
You gave me joy. Your teams were better because you wore their jersey. You made the refs smile…you knocked down your opponent in the true grit of competition, but you always extended a hand to help them up.
So an era has come to an end. But my prayer for you my princess is that the lessons you have learned from the hardwood have prepared you for the next season in your life. Mackenzie, thank you for bringing your ol dad so much joy through the sport of basketball. I love you. I am proud of you. I believe in you. The game is not over – in fact, it’s just tipping off.
And I will forever be your biggest fan.
Hooked... 