August 22, 2008
Never Would Have Made It
   

It always feels good when you have the support of your family.  In life we make many decisions every day that define who we are.  These decisions come with consequences.  I know that with out the support of my core I wouldn't be were I am today.  There have been so many family members that have contributed to my success.  My family never gave up on me and they continue to support me.  It is so hard to tell if anyone is going to play professional sports when they are young because there are so many life lessons they must learn to make it.  Some don't make it because they fail in life.  Some peoples failures are others opportunities.  I have made the most of my opportunities in life, but only because I was prepared to handle what came with sports.  I come from a very athletic family that ranges from softball to track, to basketball, to football.  Through the experience of others in my family it helped me to overcome some of the obstacles in my way.  I was not always the biggest or the fastest, but I was consistantly trying to get better.  I remember I was always asking my cousin to play football or basketball with me.  I always wanted to play sports, and be around sports.  I remember my cousin told me when we were little he didn't want to be on my basketball team because I was a ball hog.  I stopped shooting so much and passed more and my team went undefeated that season, and he wasn't on that team.  Him saying that made me become a better all around player.  During our senior year when a game would be close he would come to me and tell me to take over the game.  He always pushed me to be better.  Even to this day when I have an average game he tells me I should have done better.  He expects the best out of me and to always make plays.  I am talking about my cousin, but the rest of my family still expect the same.  My family would be at the game some sitting, and some standing on the fence line right behind the bench always yelling and screaming.  Through the years I have always been able to count on my family for advice.  My dad and I talk sports almost everyday.  He does a great job talking to me about the things going on in football.  I respect all of my families opinions, and I know they respect mine. I still try to set the standard for my little brother.  I tell him all the time it is not easy, but if you work hard anything is possible. It has been a long rode to get to were I am today, and I am proud to say without my family I wouldn't be here today.  I just want to say thank you for all you have done. 

My Thoughts, Your Time, Thanks For Reading. 

Nik L.