20 Year Old Role Model

I still remember when I had a basketball loving nephew who was not almost a foot taller than me. 🙂 Man, where did the time go?!

My nephew, “Little Manny” was born when I was in middle school. Being so young, I always treated little Manny as if he was my little brother.

I remember wanting to take him everywhere. To the park, to the store, to all my friend’s house. He was like my real life babydoll. Lol, sorry Manny! I couldn’t wait for him to grow up and me be his favorite aunt and teach him all the things he needed to know in life! I wanted to be the best role model I could be. Little did I know 20 years later, he was going to be the one we all looked at as a role model.

You see little Manny found his passion for basketball at an early age. With the grace of God and his supportive parents, family and community he was able to put his all into this passion. Playing his heart out all throughout his life, it is no surprise that he was offered a full ride to National University in the Phillipines. What an unreal and amazing opportunity for this deserving kid. Friday evening I flew out to Vegas where he was with his new team. I was dying to spend some time with him before he took on this next chapter in his life. Tonight he flies out with his newest support system; his team. I would be lying if I said I didn’t ball my eyes out. 🙂 Getting to this moment for him wasn’t easy. He was presented the offer almost two years ago and had to overcome many things to accomplish getting the dual citizenship he has today. #fancy

Manny, words cannot express how proud I have always been of you but this moment, right now, it’s overwhelming. You never took your eyes off of the prize, you continue to stay true to yourself and you hustled your big heart out! Your younger brothers, nephews, sister and nieces look up to you. You not only tell them but you are now showing them that no dream is too big. It’s so amazing. Your are amazing kid! You make us so proud. Goodness, you are so much more cooler than us now. 🙂  I can’t wait to host watch parties for your future games. Keep dominating little man! We love you! See you in the Phillippines!

xo, Auntie Lyn

P.S. Tell all of your new friends about your auntie’s blog! 🙂