the end of an era

I sit here hours away from coaching my last volleyball games I there are a bunch of things running through my head. I didn't think I would be feeling like this. I thought I was going to be a lot happier to say goodbye to the game but I am not. Volleyball has been there for me since the 4th grade - besides family I can't tell ou of a relationship I've had that I've been so intimately close with someone or something for that long. I' ve loved it andh ated it but through it all it has been my love. To walk away now is the perfect timing. Three great seasons. But it's hard. I may find time to play once and awhile but its like leaving a relatonship. And things have not been easy this year. I have felt myself growing away form it. There are now new loves on the horizon that just cannot compete - my marriage, my writing and my running. So volleyball, I love you so much and once and I while I will come back and visit. We can still be "friends" But I think its over. I will always cherish the times we had. And please don't worry. It's not you. It's me.