Time For A Breakup

Dear Notre Dame,

I'm sorry that I have to tell you this, but I think that we are through.  And no, this is not just a temporary break.  I opened my arms and heart to you, and you knocked me down for the count.  People warned me about you, told me that you would probably cause me anguish.  I even knew to be weary of you.  But something told me to push through that and take a chance on you.  Unfortunately, it only takes on screw up and we're done.

How could I have been so naive?  Notre Dame making a run to the NCAA finals?  When I told your best friend, Michael Payne, about our future together, he texted me a warning: "I love your optimism, but you'll probably not last two rounds together."  Sure, I thought, like we need to worry about the winner of Florida State and Texas A&M.  But apparently you didn't want to put in the effort needed to sustain this relationship.  And after losing to Florida State by 14, it is clear that you just didn't want this to work that badly.

Maybe it is my fault for being so trusting.  I've never liked you.  In fact, in my life, I've actively rooted against you.  But somehow you charmed your way into my life through your sweet three stroking.  I thought we had a chance together.  I thought we could ride the momentum together and actually preserve a relationship.  But I fear that we are done and not just for a small time.  Forever.

Don't call me and I won't pick you for anything.  Perhaps a few years down the line, we'll run into each other again in the brackets and we can rekindle what we once had.  Who knows?  But I'd be surprised if it happened.  Sometimes it only takes one heartbreak.

Sincerely,
Peter Mertens