A Writer’s World

         I couldn’t fall asleep that night. I just couldn’t. I wanted to see what magnificent toy or prize was waiting for me in my family room. I had no idea what it would or could be. I finally fell asleep still dreaming of what was yet to come on that wonderful Christmas morning.

        I finally awoke feeling my heart already starting to race like it was in an Indy Cup Series. Jumping out of my bed, not even waiting for my sister to get up, I raced upstairs to find, sitting in my family room, a brand new bike. Not just any bike. My bike! Slick silver paint ran across the frame of the bike. A sticker that said “Pacific” was on the bike. Along with black knobby rubber grips on the handles. On the wheels were two pairs of black rail pegs.

        I practically jumped out of my pajamas and into my clothes when I finally got the chance to go outside and ride that amazing present. Finally the moment came to ride that silver bullet. I sat on the seat and pedaled to heaven. I felt like I was floating on a cloud. I could not and would not ever forget that day, that special, very special day.

        The pitch. The place of happiness. A place for soul searching. When I step onto this patch of fresh mown grass under my feet, I feel I am one with the earth. I zone everything out, making me feel as if I am alone. Now feeling the ball touch my feet then go away again. Feeling the wind going through my short hair as I sprint for the ball. I have control of the ball, as if I have destiny at my feet.

        Dribbling down the field, feeling the eyes of the crowd moving with my every motion. People are in my way, trying to stop my journey to succeed in the crazy, crazy world of sports. I go through my obstacles, one after another seeing the door to my destiny break open. I shoot the ball and watch it as it soars gracefully through the air, while it cuts an arced path. It hits the back of the net and I suddenly feel weightless. Knowing I have accomplished something very special, my teammates surround me wearing big smiles of excitement. I look around me, soaking in the moment. I catch my dad’s eyes in the crowd. He looks at me as if to say GOOOAAAALLL!

        After the game I met up with my parents who gave me big hugs saying,” You did great. We cannot believe you scored from defense. We are so proud of you!”

        A few minutes later we went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream. I could not wait to get home after the ice cream stop because I was so anxious to tell my sister about what had happened at the game.

        When we pulled into the driveway of my house I sprinted toward the door opening it as fast as I could. I found my sister sitting at the computer.

        I tapped her shoulder. She turned around and asked, “How did the game go?”

        “It went great, I scored!” I said excitedly.

        As I told my sister about the rest of the game, she had a big smile on her face. She was so proud of me, giving me compliments left and right. A great ending to one of the best days in my nine year old life.

         Before the game even started, my palms were already sweating. Feeling my stomach go up in my throat, I sprinted onto the field knowing that this game could just be the beginning of great things to come or the possible end of a life long dream.

         As the game went on I felt like I was unstoppable, but when the game started to wind down I felt the intensity of the game lift. As the referee blew his whistle I thought the game would never end because we were just starting overtime. Just as I was getting my mind back in the game, the other team scored and I knew my dreams were crushed.

        After the game I just kept telling myself,” There is always next year.”

        I walked over to the sideline where my dad was. He always comforts me. He hugged me and said, “You did all you could do.”  

        There was a moment when I felt secure when my dad’s arms were around me. I really knew then, that I did the best I could do. I could not wait for the next opportunity to come so I could have another chance to win the biggest game of my life.