LeBron James..."I'll Go"

On Sunday night, LeBron James scored a 3-point-shot with less than a second to go to give Cleveland a win against Orlando in an NBA series playoff game.  Swish…buzzer!  Whoo!  That shot drove the score to 100-99 and it was what I like to call, one of those “magic moments.” 

How did he do it?  Not only is basketball the hardest game on the planet (okay, not as hard as golf), but to make that kind of shot, from that far away, at that part of the game, into that tiny hoop, was unbelievable!  Stunning!   Phenomenal!  And I’m not even a basketball fan.

I was in awe for awhile after that ending.  Wow.  LeBron had such a strong belief in his abilities.  He knew he could do it.  He probably said, “Throw it to me!  I want it!  I’ll be open.”  And open he got! 

Imagine having that kind of commitment and determination.  Imagine being given such a talent and developing it to that level.  Imagine the confidence it took to make it happen.  Imagine what it took to volunteer in the first-place…

Oh, I don’t want to over-worship an athlete.  Lord knows they don’t need any more idolization or endorsements.  But I have to give some props to LeBron.  His actions took guts.  He stepped up. 

This Memorial Day, after President Obama laid a beautiful wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, he spoke about how our soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines and all the people who fight and who have fought for our country said at one point, “I’ll go.” That struck me.  In their decision, that was their magic moment.  It’s not flashy like LeBron’s, but I keep thinking their “I’ll go” was their way of saying, “Throw me the ball.  I’ll be the one you can depend on.”

I associate LaBron James with the extraordinary men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours because just like LeBron, these men and women believe in themselves.  They believe that they can make a difference, save a life, and protect a freedom.  They know in their gut, that they’re the ones to get the job done.  They are the true phenoms. 

Looking back on my own life, the closest I can come to my “I’ll go” or my “Throw me the ball, I’ll make it happen”  moment would have to be in deciding to be a mom and giving birth to my two sons. 

I knew I could make a difference with them.  I knew I could make a wonderful life happen for them.  I knew I could share my joy and my love with them.  I knew I could protect and keep them from harm’s way.  I knew I was the best person for the job. 

My future stood before me and I said, “I’m doing this!”  I’ll watch over them, work hard for them, and be responsible for them.  I’ll be steadfast in my nurturing and guidance.  I’ll be the best darn Mom you’ve ever seen!  I’m stepping up here!

Deciding to be a parent, teacher, firefighter, doctor, or just standing up for someone else, big or small, we’ve all got magic moments.  They might not be on the buzzer in a finals game, but those gestures change the world.  In celebrating “Memorial Day,” I want to thank the ones who said “I’ll go.” And in their magic moments, thank them for changing my world.