legend. legendary.

What makes a person a legend? What makes someone legendary?

Google tells me it’s Famed. Illustrious. Renowned. Well-known. Celebrated. I add honorable.

I use these words occasionally, but I haven’t considered them carefully until now. Today I’m thinking about this because I’m traveling to Seattle to celebrate a legend.

Point guard for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and first overall pick of the 2002 WNBA draft, Sue Bird is a legend. I’ve been fortunate to attend a number of games in Seattle when I traveled to visit my Seattle family to see Sue Bird in action! WOW!

During her 22 years with the Storm, she led her team to four WNBA national championships. She was a 13-time all star and was named to the All-WNBA First Team five times. She won five Olympic gold medals and four FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup championships. WHEW!

“As awesome as she is on the court she’s been a role model for uncounted young people who aspired to greatness. Young girls who started watching Bird play 22 years ago, now are adults, and they had their favorite player along for the entire journey. Both on and off the court, she eschewed drama and controversy. She showed that hard work and character — and some talent — could take a person far.” The Seattle Times.

I love watching Sue play. Quick! Fast! Pass or shoot. It’s a Bucket!

Sue retired in 2022 at the end of the season. Happily I was in town to see her play one of her last games. During the upcoming game on Sunday, Sue Bird’s No. 10 jersey will be raised to the rafters and eternalized in Seattle sports history! I’ll be there!

My Seattle family, with the exception of my daughter-in-law (who will be hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim), will be at the game. My sister is journeying to Seattle as well to join in the joy.

Now airborne after multiple delays, I’m on my way. Traveling mercies.