CODY SAKAMOTO
PICTURED: Scott Williams (Lex Brodie’s GM), Cody Sakamoto, Wesley Sakamoto (Cody’s dad), Hal Takenishi (Cody’s teacher), Perry & Price, Sweetie Pacarro
Cody's "Thank You...Very Much" Letter:
Dear Dad,
Thank you for teaching me how to play basketball and giving up your time to practice with me. There is one time that I remember us practicing. The final rays of the sun ladled syrupy light over the ground and the birds chirping bounced around in my head. Sweat slithered down my face and exploded on the ball as I dribbled down the court.
My shadow danced down the court behind me and I saw you flying towards me. My hands embedded invisible prints on the ball and I felt your breath crawling down my neck. I remember your words of wisdom telling me to kiss the ball off the backboard. I could almost hear your breath so I took the shot. The ball soared through the air as it sunk into the hoop.
That moment was so special to me because that was the first time I ever scored against you. I thought about putting the ball in the basket and I reminded myself to kiss the backboard. All I daydreamed about was the beautiful sound of the ball sinking into the net. One of the things I learned from you was that you have to fight for your dreams. Fireworks exploded in my chest as my heart grew warm. The imaginary crowd screamed with excitement but best of all your clapping hands in my ear.
You took time to practice so for that, thank you.
Love, Cody
"Thank You...Very Much!"
Award Winners
:
Students throughout Hawaii are invited to write and thank someone who has influenced them in a positive way and to choose a non-profit organization they would like to help. Each month, Lex Brodie’s features one of these letters so you can enjoy the inspirational stories from Hawaii’s keiki as they say,
“Thank You...Very Much!”