The Last Dance: Episode 7

With all the feels, there comes a time when we need to stop picturing people as figures that don't have internal conflicts. Most athletes are taught to be strategically emotional for positive progression in their sport's career. However, there are darker times that the average person won't ever have to face in high extremity. For example, a death in the family. In this episode, Michael goes through one of the most painful moments in his life. Losing his father. He was murdered.

Now, the average person would say that people die every day. That is not wrong. Yes, people do die every day. But, is it broadcasted on tv? Do you have to talk on live tv about how their death makes you feel? If their death has any connections to your guilty pleasures? Imagine the media talking about you too. While most people can deal with death in their own ways, those in the spotlight face many more mental and emotional difficulties. Especially when the world is watching you and having opinions on how you should feel or speak.

This doesn't mean that the average person is less important than a celebrity or athlete. They are both of equal value of life, no matter what. But, at least there is a way for most people to quietly handle their life problems. Michael had to face the media, drowning his thoughts and emotions into "whys" and "hows". It is painful already when you see that at the funeral, Michael held back tears to be strong.

He was done with basketball and truly exhausted. I felt that his father's passing was a key turning point in his athletic career. Most would say him winning the championships or becoming MVP. But, from a personal perspective, this is different. He had to change to develop into a new story. A story without the man that inspired him to be great. That is, in my eyes, one of the most difficult things to do. To keep living and staying strong, when one of the most important things in your life is truly not present anymore. That cut is the deepest wound.

But, it also inspires you to try new things and give life a new direction. There is nothing wrong with leaving something to better yourself. Michael went on to leave basketball and played baseball (Even if we all knew that wasn't going to last). But, regardless, it's the action that counts. He loved baseball and, more importantly, his father did. This conversation has happened several times between them. So, this wasn't just a random decision. He was already a champion and the leader that people would never stop speaking about. But, to exist simply for yourself in an honest light. That is the beauty of growth.