Byline: Tavon Whitted

When I felt like I had no one to turn to, basketball got me through it all. It improved my confidence. It made me more assertive but respectful. It showed me the value of hard work and kept me safe from being on the street and stepping out of line. I laser-focused on my love for the game and became better and better over time.

As Memorial Day came and passed, I was reminded of how it was one of the most challenging days of the year for me.  This is because of the unfortunate passing of someone, my grandfather, who was the only veteran I was related to. I taught myself to work through pain or write about it. I figured why not do both?