Nothing is more heartbreaking when you realize that something you never imagined would end, suddenly comes to an end. For some people, it may be a relationship of some sort; for others, something as awe-inspiring as graduation. For me, it was the possibility of never playing football again. It is truly unbelievable how something can be taken for granted, yet greatly appreciated once it is not there anymore. Being left with thinking about "what if" or "is there another possibility" is a situation where no one wants to be in for the reason that it left me with a feeling that I lost a certain percentage of control to my destiny.
Memorize like that of my last game will never leave my mind. In fact, I can remember it like it was yesterday. One one thousand. The stands were filled with classmates and parents, waving their hands and homemade signs. Usually, the sound of the crowd cheering my name brings a smile to my face and fire to my heart. This time however was different. I was a little more nervous than normal. My palms were sweating and my breathing became irregular. I could smell the hot dogs, popcorn, and pizza being sold at the concession stand. The marching band had just left the field with the tuba player's last note still ringing in my ear. Referees calling the captains in from each team for the coin toss. "Heads!" I say, as the ref throws up a coin. After deferring to the second half, my coach yells, "It's time to go"! I strap on my helmet with great enthusiasm and head towards the field to take my position. .
Two one thousand, three one thousand; fast forwarding to the fourth quarter. My heart was pounding like the great high-pressure beam engine down at Wheal Devoran. My quarterback quickly shouts out a play. I think to myself "Is this really my last game?" My thoughts quickly turn back to the game as I see the center hike the ball and realize with the coverage, the very slim one hundred and sixty pound cornerback right in front of me was on an island and it was just him and I.
