I was nervous and full of anxiety.
I was invited to attend a University of Pittsburgh banquet celebrating a Century of African American Athletics on the campus. I had not returned to the University since I had left it 13 years ago. Although I was nervous about going back there I knew that it was something that I had to do to move forward.
When I arrived I initially went to the bathroom to gather my thoughts. The first person I noticed was my former basketball coach followed by other University staff members. I saw faces at the banquet that I could recall from when I had my stroke. Faces that sat in front of me when I cried tears and begged to be allowed to remain a part of the Pittsburgh Basketball Team that I loved so much.
It was hard, but I did it. I revisited a place that I hadn't gone to in 13 years. I revisited a place where I last was sad and depressed; a place where I was paralyzed and had open-heart surgery. I faced a place where I left all my talents and capabilities in basketball.
By the end of the night I had done it! I had gone to a place that I'd never thought I could go. I did it! I did it without depression, or tears, and without basketball.
My return trip to the University of Pittsburgh helped me to realize that I am in a good space in my life. I had a wonderful night and I can say again I made it through! Sometimes you just have to face your past...