Basketball

So, for the past few months, every Thursday I have been going to play basketball with some ladies in my Stake. There are usually between 4 - 8 of us every week. The great thing is that there are 2-3 of us that are in our 20's - 30's, and all the rest are 70+! :) One sister is 87! These sisters have been playing basketball consistently every week for over 50 years! It really has been a lot of fun to get out there and play.

We play half-court and those of us with kids, let our kids play around on the other half of the court. It's not too competitive, but don't think we don't get good exercise. Those ladies still run up and down the court with the rest of us young'ens! :)

This experience has reminded me a lot of my dad. My dad passed away almost 7 years ago now. He was passionate about basketball. My parents even changed the location of their wedding, because my dad had to play in a basketball tournament the night before their wedding! I remember my dad could tell such detailed stories of each championship basketball game he played in high school and later in college. He knew what the score was, who had the ball, and would give us a play-by-play description for the last 5 minutes of the game!

I remember when I was 5 of 6, going outside in our gravel driveway to "shoot hoops" with my dad in the evenings. When I was in middle school, I purposely DIDN'T try out for the basketball team, because I didn't want the "pressure" from my dad.  He was always "right", so I felt like I never played good enough for him.  So, instead I played volleyball.  Later, when we moved to Mexico my options were a little limited.  I could play basketball or do cheerleading.  Again, I chose something my dad had no clue about - cheerleading!  My dad continued to play basketball (or HORSE) until the end of his life.  He was proud of his title of "HORSE champion" in Mexico.

I think it's funny now that I'm enjoying basketball so much.  I realize where my dad got his passion.  I also think about the opportunities I may have passed up because I didn't want the "pressure" to play.  There is always time to try new things and experience life!

What experiences do you feel you've passed up because of the pressures or expectations of others?