Growing up, my parents both had intense, city-based careers, my mom as a court reporter and my dad as a lawyer, while we lived out in the suburbs. Their days were long, filled with commutes and often followed by work they brought home. Yet, for my sister and me, they were always there—without fail, for every game.
Searching for Familiar Faces
During every game, I scanned the stands for my parents. When I found them, it wasn’t just a comforting sight; it was proof that I mattered. Seeing them there reinforced that my goals, however small or grand, held importance to them.
Family Ties Through Sports
Basketball ran in the family. My dad, a former college player, introduced me to the game as soon as I could walk. I spent my childhood in leagues, attending camps, and, by high school, basketball had become my world. Over those years, my parents never missed a single game. Every season, every game—no matter how far they had to travel, they showed up.
Realizing the Sacrifices
As I got older, I began to understand what it must have taken for them to be there so consistently. Early departures from work, long drives, snowy winter commutes, and sometimes even splitting up to cover games for both my sister and me. Their unwavering presence, no matter the circumstance, made me feel valued.
Knowing Their Support Was Constant
Every game was a chance to show them what I’d learned. I wanted my dad to see his practice tips put to use, and I hoped my mom noticed my commitment. I competed to prove myself, even to beat my sister, just a bit. Their support meant the world and instilled a lifelong sense of reliability I could always count on.
Why Showing Up Matters
It’s not always easy or even possible to be at every game, and kids might brush it off as no big deal. But it matters more than they let on. I don’t remember all the gifts or little treats from childhood, but I clearly recall seeing my parents in their work attire, cheering me on at every game. That memory has outlasted them all.
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