By Logan Shea
SEATTLE--5/15/2024
Dear 6-year-old Logan,
I’m writing to you from the future, as an 18-year-old senior at O’Dea High School. You might be wondering why I’m writing to you right now, especially after you’ve just fallen off a golf cart. It’s because I want to tell you something important: your toughness, the same toughness that’s helping you get up from this fall, is going to be your greatest asset.
You see, Logan, life is going to throw you some curveballs. You’re going to face challenges that will test your resolve and make you question your abilities. But remember this, you are tough. You are stronger than any challenge that comes your way. You have a spirit that refuses to be broken, a heart that continues to believe, and a mind that never stops dreaming.
In a few years, you’ll move to Singapore and try out for the freshman basketball team. You’ll give it your all, but you won’t make the cut. It’s going to hurt, but don’t let it discourage you. This moment is not a measure of your worth or your abilities. It’s just a stepping stone on your journey. It’s a lesson in resilience, a testament to your ability to rise above disappointment. Remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback.
Fast forward a few more years, and you’ll find yourself entering junior year at a lean 140 pounds. You might feel small, maybe even overlooked. But don’t let the numbers define you. Your strength isn’t measured in pounds, it’s measured in resilience, in determination, in grit. You are more than a number on a scale. You are a force to be reckoned with.
And guess what? That resilience will pay off. By the time you’re my age, you’ll be a D1 rugby player headed to Central Washington in the fall, weighing in at a solid 195 pounds. You’ll stand tall, not just because of your physical strength, but because of the mental toughness you’ve developed over the years. You’ll prove to yourself and others that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.
So, Logan, as you dust yourself off from this golf cart tumble, remember that this is just the first of many challenges you’ll overcome. You have a journey ahead of you filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks. But through it all, remember that you are tough. You are resilient. And you are capable of incredible things.
Keep pushing forward, Logan. I can’t wait for you to see where your toughness takes you. Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and never forget the power of resilience. You’re going to do great things, Logan. I believe in you.
All the best,
Logan