Perhaps the only folk
continuing to read this are those who do not know of LeBron James.
You see, I've sensed most folks with any interest in basketball, those removed from the Miami Heat fan base, do not love nor even like LeBron James. They abhor him for going to the Heat; leaving
the Cleveland Cavaliers (to me, after a lifetime there – considering the physical and emotional energy
involved in trying to win a championship, which he was surely
fixated on). So if they have tuned me out,
I understand.
Having grown up with a sports
loving father and brothers also sports enthusiasts, I have more than a modicum of
admiration for almost any athletic competition, more so baseball, I'll admit. (Read my award-winning memoir, Black Star Girl.) Then raising my own children in more complex communities that found fewer and fewer available empty lots where baseball games could be casually
played, basketball took over as the more popular ‘pick-up’ sport in our
neighborhoods. A regulation basketball goal was a popular addition to many a family's yard or driveway. Ours was in the back yard where once in a while this mom was a serious contender with the youngsters in a foul line shooting contest or a game of H-O-R-S- E.
Through the years, basketball lingered as a entertaining spectator sport. I remember being glued to the TV
watching, wincing, and groaning - engrossed in the heart stopping battles that involved Michael
Jordan’s Chicago Bulls challenging the Indiana Pacers and Reggie Miller, or the
Boston Celtics and Larry Bird. After Michael Jordan's astounding reign ended, my interest waned.
Then on the scene came LeBron James, a high school phenomenon on the basketball court. In my heart I’ve been on alert regarding LeBron James since all the media attention when he elected to leapfrog college and follow his dream to play basketball professionally. He was wanted by the NBA and would immediately proceed to play at the highest tier in pro basketball. I worried about ‘the kids’ decision. I didn’t need to. It seems he has maintained quality life-choice standards; work ethic; personal qualities and healthy devotion to the career he was gifted to follow.
Many high school graduates go
off to college, and fail to exhibit the maturity necessary to grow responsibly and focus on goals. Too many times those young adults, freshly independent, are side tracked and get on a path that keeps them from being what they wanted to be and could be. High school graduate LeBron James
went off to the NBA festooned with all the bells and whistles of iconic stardom. It could all have been a major hindrance. It wasn't. He has done what it takes - not been distracted from reaching his goal, these nine years since.
Not only has LeBron James’ life choices given him the equivalent of a 4-year College degree and a Master’s Degree, but now, I think, he has received his PhD.
This grandmother celebrates ‘the kid’ who knew what he wanted and worked toward achieving - with diligence. This morning I celebrated ‘the man’ by watching emotional and enjoyable discussions on ESPN’s television shows. Later I prepared a celebratory dinner of mixed green salad and barbecued baby-back ribs.
Yes, it has been a deliciously good day for mind and body.
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