Thank You

All things must come to an end. All that you love and all that you hate will one day pass. That is truly the reality of life, whether we like it or not.

Sports are a lot like life in many ways, but especially considering the fact that nothing is forever. With every victory and every defeat, we must learn to enjoy and savor every moment. It will not last forever.

I have prepared myself for the day Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were no longer Boston Celtics for years now. From personal experiences I have learned that nothing is forever and that goes for all that I love about sports too. With that, I don't feel any sadness on this day. When the trade was announced I didn't flinch, I didn't cry, and I didn't scream; I only smiled.

I smile because Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have given me so much to be happy about throughout my life watching sports. Both players poured their hearts out for their team, showing us what it really means to be a champion.

The past six years have been especially memorable. After the Boston Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett in July of 2007, I knew the Celtics would win a championship. I just knew the stars had been aligned when him, Paul, and Ray Allen were all brought together. It was perfection. I didn't know how many championships they would win or when they would win for the first time, but I was certain it was going to happen.

And it did.

Even though the Celtics never won another championship since 2008, I have taken pleasure in seeing Paul and Kevin play each and every night. Whether it was a relatively meaningless regular season game or a heartbreaking defeat in the playoffs, or even a thrilling victory that had me screaming my lungs out after a Pierce or Garnett game winning shot; I have enjoyed everything Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have given to me...

Happiness.

To Paul Pierce,
You are one of the reasons why I fell in love with basketball. It's hard for me to pinpoint a single favorite memory since there are so many to choose from. From the times with Antoine Walker to the times with Ricky Davis, how am I supposed to choose? It all has been amazing.

As a whole, you managed to show loyalty to the Boston Celtics for so long despite having so many opportunities to leave for greener pastures. We have watched you develop from a raw shooter out of Kansas into one of the greatest players in Boston Celtics history and a Hall of Famer. We have watched you grow from a kid that the media dubbed as "immature" to a true leader of men. You are a true role model to me and so many others. I look forward to seeing the number 34 get raised to the rafters. You will forever live on in Boston Celtics history.

Thank you.

To Kevin Garnett,
The leadership and pride you have brought to the Boston Celtics has left an imprint on me forever. You have taught me that I can be a better person just by working hard and being myself. From your knuckle pushups to ubuntu; from your trash talking to your childlike smile during Gino Time and from your screams before, during, and after games: you truly have taught me that "anything is possible!"

It truly is; anything is possible. If you set your mind to something, you can accomplish it. The road to your reaching your dreams might seem impossible but time and time again throughout human history we have proven that we can achieve anything that we set our minds to. As a collective, and as individuals, all you must do is open up your mind up and dream. Work hard. Love what you do. Dedicate yourself. And you will succeed.

Thank you.

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