Sometimes you meet someone new, tell them your name, and then it clicks for them who you are. Well, that happened today. I walked outside to meet someone who was working on a project for my mom and dad, and I recognized him. I couldn’t place him. Then I walked closer… it was one of my old baseball friends from back when I played in 2014. Everything clicked within seconds.
Look, I’ve written before about reunions on Tumblr. I’ve written about how life’s too damn short to hold discontent for someone. People grow, people change, people reinvent themselves, and yes, perhaps, shapeshift. That’s the beauty of life–you can be who you want to be, and be the change you want to see.
I’ve made so many mistakes in my life that are impossible to count on my hands at this point. In 2015 my life was completely turned upside down–new school in a new city, new friends, new identity. In 2017, it was destroyed after a series of mistakes that–if not caught and treated–would have ruined my life, and still have the potential to. I’ve been rebuilding my life for the better part of that decade since.
A lot of people in this town who wonder whatever happened to me, because I know you’re out there… you now have your answer. And I go by Slade Watkins now! (My last name changed in 2018.)
In the interest of being honest with you, I still have a long way to go…but reconnecting with the people of the past has been healing, in a way. There has been closure, friendships reforged or new ones made, too. I hope to do more of that this year. It’d mean a lot to me.
Oh, and: I tried finding the old roster before I published this to try and figure out who else was on our team besides the coach’s sons — because I don’t for the life of me remember anymore — so if you happen to be reading this and played baseball with me in the 2014 season…reach out! 11 years is a long ass time and I’d love to catch up with y’all.
Or if you’re just someone I used to know, reach out, too. I’d love to hear from everyone once again.
Cheers, everyone.
