Early Last Night

The clock on the wall sat at three seconds left to play. After taking a last look at the rim and bouncing the ball three times,Nick was ready. The ball seemed to hang in the air as it made its way to the hoop. Nick wasn't worried. With a swoosh itwent through the hoop never touching the rim.Nick was no ordinary player. With nerves of steel and the talent of knowing what could be accomplished on the basketballfloor with practice and perseverance, Nick achieved exactly what she set out to do. As a senior in high school, it would beher last championship game. She had no concept whatsoever of not delivering the winning score.The crowd erupted; the sound of cheering fans was deafening. To some of the opposing team it felt as though thegymnasium itself shook, Farley celebrating a win no one thought was possible. Nick was surrounded by her teammateswith hugs and tears streaming down their faces.Knowing what she was capable of accomplishing, so many wondered what Nick had in mind for her next goal in her life.Like a certain man standing in the bleachers, watching her play her last game, he too had a specific goal in mind. And ithad nothing to do with basketball.