For the love of the game and family bonds

When I grew up I was very athletic and played all the major sports. I was most gifted at baseball but always loved basketball as its equal. The rest are ok but those two sports will forever have a special place in my heart. Being from The Bronx, naturally I am a Yankees fan from birth. For the rest of my life nothing will change that.
As a child, the first memorable games of basketball I have were the Celtics-Rockets games of the finals in the mid 80s when Bird and Olajuwon were young men and already controlling the league. Now, I was a young super fan but also logical, (even in my youth) so I appreciated how amazing Bird was. Being that he played on a Boston team, I knew there was no routing for the Celtics. Lets just say its a healthy rivalry between cities and leave it there. (Thanks, Babe!)
The Rockets of Houston, however, I had no beef. I have been a diehard ever since. Through the ups and downs. Terrible losses and short comings in seasons when we had teams that should have done much better. I never faltered my love for the team I chose.
Even though I was extremely upset at us bringing in Charles Barkley and the mismanagement of those late 90s rosters. Depressed by the failures of the T-mac teams(wish I never burned that jersey), that moved my second favorite Rocket ever in Steve Franchise(still wear his jerseys). Having Yao Ming and watching him be on the bench with injury far to often, I loved this team like it was personally my own.
I must say how happy I am to see them on top of the league this year! Even though i am not happy with the style of basketball they play. I never was a fan of D'Antoni not coaching defense. No one can keep up with us! Maybe this will be the year the idiot writers stop disrespecting James Harden and give him what should be at least his 3rd MVP. I will be happiest if it is the franchises 3rd championship. I wish them health and a steady course because i dont think anything can stop them but themselves. Since the season's start they took off and have been flying past most anyone on any night.
Thankfully in my life i have a cousin that is close in age and just like a brother. We grew up together both playing and loving sports. We analyze games and players like we were pros. Daily I get woken up by him texting me about the games or performances of players from all manner of sports. It sometimes make for a rude awakening. I wouldnt have it any other way though.
Our love of the games is nothing compared to our love for each other. No matter what is happening we can clear out the troubles or hardships of life and talk about sports like we are still kids. Some days its like he knows I am not doing good and saves me from myself. I thank God every day for him bringing me joy, conversation and light into my days. Even if its to break my chops over the teams i love.. Thank you, Damien!
That is the love of the game to me.