Chris Carbot / Miami, Florida

Dear Micheal,

We will never forget what you have done for the world not only of basketball, but the world in which each and every one of us live. You’ve always had that special power to unite people, give complete strangers something in common to love. From the Hamptons to the hoods, there isn’t one child who at one time or another has played with their tongue out at the park or their backyard, emulating your greatness. You made grown men act like children, falling over themselves in awe at the things you did in the air. Free throw line. Kiss the rim. Rock the cradle. A portrait of grace and beauty that Michaelangelo couldn’t paint. No. Only you, Michael, could do that.

We mourned for you when your father was taken from you, followed you and supported you in your quest to play baseball in his honor. But deep down inside, we missed the "come fly with me" moments, the inexplicable ability to take over a game at will. Maybe we should have called you Gepetto, because even today you treat opponents as your puppets, keeping their hearts on a string. The cities of Houston and Portland will always be scratching their heads and wondering what could have been had they not passed on greatness. If only hindsight wasn’t the only sight that is always 20/20. It’s always easy to love a winner. But you were so much more. You were the consummate role model, even when Charles Barkley denied athletes’ roles as such. You knew better. Ah, you always knew better.

And still we can’t let go. 32,000 points and six championships later, we still can’t get enough, hang on your every word like you hung in the air. Just know that you did not "tarnish your legacy" by coming back for a third run. All you did was make those who forgot remember, and gave those who remembered two more years to say I Love You. We watch as you play out the last chord of the most magical career since, well, nobody. You see Michael, you have managed to transcend the game of basketball in the course of your 40 years of life, blessing us not only with your talents, but with your charisma. Your smile. Now, as The Greatest Show on Earth goes through it’s final performance, all we will be left with is memories. Hopefully this long goodbye has given you some insight as to how thankful we all are to have had you in this game. We will still drink your Gatorade, wear your shoes, and we will always remember. If the saying "heroes are remembered, but legends never die" is tr! ue, where does that leave you? Because you were more than legendary. You are The Greatest.

Thanks Mike. Thanks a million.


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