Return of A Champion

Okay, so it should be "return of most improved/inspirational", but hey, it's a return nonetheless. One of my goals for the past few months has been to get more active. I've actually walked for 6 days now! Whoo-hoo!, as well as added in a few sit ups and a few push ups. When the sign-up for church basketball came around, I debated back and forth whether or not to add my name to the list. Personal conversation: "Now, if you sign up Teresa, you have to mean it." "I know, I know." "And it's early morning games...on Saturday!" "Urgh. I know. I think I can handle it." "Hmm. I don't know about that." "Look, I need to get in shape." "You'll probably pull every muscle and pass out." "True." I hesitate; my hand suspended in mid-air. Then I throw caution to the wind and sign. Now I have to do it.
24 years ago I was on the high school basketball team. I started my renown career as a senior (in a very small school, so they were desperate). I played both JV and Varsity. Though not the most skillful player, I was the most enthusiastic...thus the "Most Inspirational" and "Most Improved" awards. (My coach also said I had the weirdest shaped ankles she'd ever seen.)
So, this morning I went to my first game. For the first two quarters I was just a shufflin' body on the court. Slowly the old "skills" came back and I even made a basket. The following "happy" dance nearly did me in, but it was fun and I even got my heart rate up. This could be a beautiful thing.
Before I close this record of my triumphant return to the court, I have to tell you about these special shoes. They are the shoes I wore in my High School games all those years ago. They are my treasures. Sure, they are great shoes...the best in the day; but that's not why I love them. I came from a family of 10, on a teacher's salary. Ya, we were poor. I paid for almost everything I had: clothes, school fees, gifts for friends, treats...everything. I was working hard academically to earn a college scholarship, as well as doing any odd job I could to pay for both my daily expenses and save for college. I didn't have any real athletic shoes. My coach told me I needed to get some. What was I going to do? I couldn't spare the money. My parents stepped in and said they'd pay for them. It brings tears to my eyes even now. I knew what a sacrifice it would be for them. I almost felt guilty picking them out, but deep joy was the main emotion. My mom encouraged me to go for good ones that would last and support my "weird" ankles, and not settle for the cheapest. These cost almost $40, which was pricey for the day. Boy, did I baby these shoes! I only wore them on the court; cleaned them all the time; and have carried them with me for over 20 years. (Okay, so they've only had a year of use, but still.) It was a special moment putting them on again, all these years later. I still feel the love of my mom and dad when I wear them...and I think that love even helps me play better. True treasures.