Everyone who has ever played a team sport knows how hard it is to lose when you’re so close to the finals. After the Philadelphia 76ers lost in Game 7 to the Toronto Raptors and got knocked out of the NBA finals, plenty of 76ers players and fans were hurt—including Joel Embiid, who shed a few tears on the court after the loss.
One fan was sitting at home watching the aftermath and decided to write Embiid a letter containing some important advice for dealing with loss. 9-year-old Olivia wrote a well-thought-out letter explaining that it’s “OK to lose sometimes” and adding that she was “still proud of him” and the rest of his teammates.
The letter was picked up by several reporters and shared on social media—including Christie Ileto of ABC.
9 year old girl pencils encouraging note to @sixers center @JoelEmbiid after Game 7’s heartbreaking loss Sunday night against Toronto. @6abc pic.twitter.com/AsyeOi82S3
— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) May 14, 2019
Ileto even shared a video of Olivia reading the letter to Embiid.
“Dear @JoelEmbiid…”
Encouraging words from the youngest of fans to the @sixers center after he was brought to tears following Sunday’s #Game7 loss. That story tonight on @6abc pic.twitter.com/l5DwJl9QrG— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) May 14, 2019
People online were incredibly touched by this 9-year-olds empathy.
???????????? So wholesome ???????????? https://t.co/IXakhprip0
— Josh (@mccjosh) May 14, 2019
Love this.. https://t.co/kCKcEy5flS
— Donald Bowen (@chewybowen_1) May 14, 2019
My eyes…
Theyre leaking https://t.co/5hzkgJfTbw— Little Mac (24-18) (@DerekZ00lander) May 14, 2019
My heart ??? https://t.co/bKIH7Yy1E4
— D (@d_abolitionist) May 14, 2019
And I'm crying again https://t.co/Qf3VnzCH9V
— A James (24-18) (@A_pAgAno66) May 14, 2019
???????????????????????????? https://t.co/vP0S3LaPCG
— Gritty for President (@BrendanMcP) May 14, 2019
Here’s to hoping Embiid answers Olivia’s adorable letter.
h/t: Twitter
