Dear the Cleveland Cavaliers,
I haven't been a hardcore fan for long, actually just for a couple of months. I thank my best friend from Cleveland for getting me into watching the NBA and cheering for you. So I know this letter may not mean much to you coming from a newbie fan as it would coming from a lifetime fan but I hope it brings some comfort.
Let me start with this, I always cheered for you. Being born and raised in the state of Ohio, I cheered for all teams. I have not watched every game but I wished every game you would win. I didn't know how much I would cheer for you before I started paying attention to the games.
I quickly grew attached to you as soon as soon I started watching you play. I saw your friendships on and off the court and that spoke a lot about the team. When players not only play well on the court but are also so close, it warms my heart. I love how you immediately took in new players like Kyle Korver and others. I love the passion you play with and how personal you take every win and loss. You never try to blame others, you always take on the responsibility. It's great seeing your hard work pay off and winning games and painful to watch you lose.
Which is why March was hard to watch.
But I was still there and so were many fans. I didn't watch every game because of college responsibilities but when I did watch the games, I was there until the end. I watched until the last buzzer sounded. It didn't matter if we were down by 30 or 3, I still watched and so did other fans. I know I am not alone when I say this, we are ride or die with you. I have learned that being a Cleveland sports fan is tough and I respect everyone who has done it all their lives.
The point of this article is to tell you, it's okay. It's to have bad games, it's okay to have bad days. Everyone and every team has them. The only time it becomes a problem is when you let it define you. If you start to let the doubts enter your mind, it can be toxic and damaging. You learn from your mistakes and move on. Don't dwell on the crappy game you or your teammates had. Look at the mistakes you guys made and make sure they don't happen again.
You will be ready for the playoffs, no matter if you're the second seed or the first seed. Doesn't matter. The fans will be there every step of the way.
I wasn't there when you brought a championship to the well-deserving city of Cleveland but I will be here well after that.
The fans and I will be here. We will be here even if you don't bring another championship to Cleveland. We will be here screaming and cheering for you, we will be here, ride or die. Even if you leave Cleveland, we will be cheering for you.
Something that my Cleveland friend told me has stuck with me. She told me that being a Cleveland fan is hard. It's hard to see your team fail and then to have every criticism thrown at them and you. "Of course they lost, Cleveland is a sh*tty place to live, to play and is the armpit of Ohio," or variations of it are said constantly. I may not have lived that but I respect those that have.
So, Cavaliers, this is a new month and playoffs are soon. We'll be here watching and supporting you. Ride or die.
