If it were possible to erase a memory from one's mind, I would choose this one. It was my junior year of high school and I was sitting in my favorite Spanish class when I received a note requesting my immediate attendance in the office of the school athletics director. My heart sunk. It was just a few days before the first game of the season and I knew my coach would be making his final cuts.
As I slowly made my way to the front of the school, I tried to convince myself it wasn't true. I told myself:
"It's just a mixup."
"Maybe he has an award for you."
"There must be another [Lightning] at this school."
"I probably just left something in his office."
My efforts were to no avail.
Upon my arrival, I instantly noticed the sorrowful expressions on the faces of Mr. Winton and Coach McAfee. I instantly broke out in tears. Nobody had spoken yet, but I knew what was coming. My 12 year career as a softball player had reached its endpoint.
I cried the entire way to my car, the whole drive home, and basically until I exhausted myself into a deep sleep that night. I felt sick to my stomach. My confidence level was at an all time low. I hated McAfee for doing this to me and I hated myself for not being good enough. I simply didn't want to accept that I had failed to achieve my dream of proudly wearing a varsity softball jersey.
I had never felt so much pain in my heart and the worst part about it was the date; February 14th, 2012. I had my heart broken on Valentine's Day.
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ReplyDeleteMany things I liked in your rhetoric:
ReplyDelete-Dialogue use of personal thoughts, affirmations, doubts
-Irony
-Detail of emotions
There are many things that we want to forget, butthe past is gone.... Yet very present.
I love how your writing took me on a journey with you.
ReplyDeleteI felt that drop in my own stomach as I read about your experience.
You used very descriptive language in the most effective way.
and the introduction set the mood instantly.
<3
p.s. I`m so glad you`ve made it to the point where you can confidently share this memory with us in a beautiful way.
:)
I have some sad softball memories too. Isn't it funny how it's always the adults that ruin things? I hope you had a chance to play again. You have some really nice images and moments in this text. If you wanted, you could have included a perspective on organized sports and the effect they have on kids here- I think in some ways it's big problem in this country (and a great opportunity to include hyperlinks).
ReplyDelete