Dear Softball - Gabby Buruato

Dear Softball,
 
Fifteen years later and still no matter how hard I try, no words will ever be able to explain how grateful I am for you. Because of you, so many doors and opportunities have opened for me. Because of you, I have some of the best friends, teammates and additional family members. Because of you, I have seen some of the most beautiful scenery there is to offer and travel to so many places that I would never even knew existed.  You were always something I could lean on when everything was going wrong in my life.  You were there always pushing me to be better, smarter and stronger, and you never let me settle into being something less than what I was meant to be.  You have been there for all my highs and lows; from the ugliest strikeouts to hitting triples. We have been through so much together.
 
You have taught me that this game is something bigger than myself. You made me always compete to earn it, letting me know that nothing worth having comes easy. Thank you for helping me believe more in myself and the confidence that you knew I had, but just needed a little help in finding.  Even on my worst days, you helped me see that I am good enough. You have taught me multiple things not only on but off the field.  You have taught me how to be a leader and a follower at times. Even when things aren't going right on the field, you still find a way for me to fall more in love with you.
 
I miss you. I miss scraping the dirt before every at bat. I miss moving grass between my fingers in the outfield. I miss the eye black that would never come off or the dirt on my cleats. We were on our last stretch together until everything was put on pause. I was at a loss and I didn't know if things would ever get better but there you were again. You picked me up and gave me hope that we would be able to finish this journey that we started when I was six years old. 
 
Thank you for humbling me. Even with all my aches, pains and injuries, you taught me that others would do anything to have my abilities and opportunities. You showed me those that loved the game, but will never be able to play due to their disabilities. You taught me that my issues were only temporary hurdles, compared to others' lifelong struggles. Thank you for giving me the most important of perspectives in life…appreciation and perseverance.
 
Thank you for teaching the little girl that fell in love with you 15 years ago to not give up and that if she worked hard enough, that her dreams would come true.
 
Love always,
Gabby Buruato