We are off to a Boston Celtics basketball game tonight.
I love basketball.
Not because I faithfully follow the NBA or because I worked with the Washington Mystics the first year they were founded. No.
I love basketball because it saved my life.
Well, basketball and a very good doctor.
My doctor discovered I had cancer in my annual sports physical check-up in high school (you know, the regular doctor’s appointment that every aspiring high school athlete must endure — Weight. Height. Pat on the head. Go play ball!).
I am lucky I played basketball.
I am lucky my doctor actually did a physical and not just a pat on the head.
I was so young. Just seventeen.
I often wonder what would have happened if I didn’t play basketball: would the cancer have been found in time to save my life?
- What if Michael Jordan wasn’t the super star, game changing player that so captivated my youthful imagination?
- What if the Boston Celtics weren’t so fun to follow and watch on TV?
- What if my hometown didn’t grant girls varsity sports?
- What if I had quit?
- What if my doctor didn’t take the time to do a full medical exam?
Of course, the simple answer to all this is — He was. They were. It did. I didn’t. He did.
I was given the gift of life.
Basketball saved my life.
And I’ve got the scars to prove it!
Not a day passes that I don’t think about this. I am incredibly grateful to a little orange ball.
So tonight, while I cheer for the team in green from the stands, I will also be cheering on my team — the doctors who saved my life and the coaches that kept me in the game.
More tomorrow.
Lovemore,
Jamie
P.S. My gift of the day is a ticket to the Celtics game tonight! We have an extra — I think I will just give it away at the gate… how fun!
{Have a story from the amazing world of sports. Dish on the blog!}
Oh my goodness, this literally gave me goosebumps!! Thank God for that orange ball and capable doctors. Our world would be sorely lacking without you. <3
Thank you! Yes, goosebumps for me too — I am so very grateful to a little orange ball and thankful to so many people over my course of cancer healing. Happily that chapter is closed
Glad to be here. Happy you are here with me!! xo~Jamie
Were we ever lucky for that doctor, and for you, and for all that happened in your story. We are winners!
Love, Diane
Thank you dear Diane!!