Dear Gymnastics

Dear Gymnastics,

I always knew in the back of my mind,

that one day there would come a time,

when I'd have to leave all this behind.

In the back of my mind is where I left that thought,

I never wanted it to be brought to the front.

I always kept a blind eye to the future to come,

but time is inevitable and cannot be stopped once its begun.

It's true what they say,

all good things must come to an end.

But how blessed am I to have a story to tell,

of humbled beginnings to memory filled endings.

This journey was more then just years dedicated to a sport,

it was more important then collecting trophies and winning rings,

it was always about creating unbreakable bonds and building a forever family.

Instead of just friends I got sisters who made saying goodbye so hard to do,

it sad to think my life will go on with or without you.

What my future holds is something I don't know,

what I do know is I'm glad I had you.

You taught me to always give 100%,

that fear is just a mindset you can overcome and hard work is the only way to get the job done.

Dear Gymnastics, thank you for it all,

all the rises and all the falls,

but mostly I wanna thank you for all the people I met through it all.

Through this sport I gained support and unconditional love,

learned so many lessons on how to rise above.

You put my mind and my body through hell for so many years,

I gave you everything from my blood, to my sweat, and my tears,

but even through all the bad days and the pain,

you were my safe haven that kept me sane.

As this chapter closes it will not be forgotten,

you will always live within my heart as it beats,

as I move on and try new things.

The "me" you created will never change,

what you are physically I'll let go,

what you are mentally I'll hold on too,

thank you for everything I've been through.

Dear Gymnastics this is the last,

i'll love you the most as I leave you in my past,

all 20 years nothing less than a blast.

I don't know where I'm going now,

but I'll always remember who and where I've been.

Dear Gymnastics,

The End!