Teri Silver: Commen-"Teri"

I don't follow soccer but this is the story I read in today's headlines ...

"Mexico's young star Giovani dos Santos has called down a firestorm by revealing that he's thinking of quitting his national team just ten days before the start of the World Cup. According to his father, Zizinho, he's "very hurt" by the fact that his brother Jonathan was cut from the team today. Jonathan dos Santos is only 20, and was always a shaky bet to go to South Africa, especially after he sustained a muscle tear last month while training with Barcelona. But Giovani and his family are reacting with double-barreled fury. Their father has declared that Jonathan is quitting the team permanently, and Giovani — who's all of 21 — may follow suit. The Mexican team is trying to console him, but the dos Santos family is alternating between issuing dark warnings and keeping silent about their plans.

And here is my open letter to Giovani dos Santos:

Giovani, Honey, if you want to quit, then do so.  Listen, Son, don't do what doesn't make you happy. You're a grown up now.  If throwing a temper tantrum about playing soccer for these mean people will make you a happier man, then all the better for you.  If playing in the biggest match of the year amongst your adoring fans makes you miserable, just DON'T do it ... don't play soccer, it's just a game.  So what if playing this game could give you a great life.   So what! There are other things to do in life and you'll have to figure that out eventually, so why not right now?  Yeah, OK, you're talented, but apparently there are others who are willing to take your place, so why put yourself through it?  You don't need to be here, the world won't come crashing down if you decide you've had enough. Why play this silly game if it makes you just so darn miserable?  Really, you don't have to ... there are plenty of others out there who are waiting for their chance, they're talented too, maybe not as much as you but that doesn't really matter.  Rest assured, we've got you covered.  We understand, you're upset that baby brother got the axe ... how dare they do this!!! We understand that your family is insulted.  We understand that blood is thicker than water.  But don't hold your breath until you turn blue, just do what makes you happy.  Don't let all these bad people tell you how to live your life.  And remember, your daddy and your mommy and your brother, well, they've got your back.  We all only want what's best for you. Just say no!

 I am hoping this young man calms down and looks at the Big Picure.  For now, though, there you have it.

Teri Silver, June 1, 2010