"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

"That's the beauty of sports. Sometimes you laugh, sometimes you cry." - Pep Guardiola

I finally came to terms with Pep leaving Barcelona with those famous words by Dr. Seuss. Nothing lasts forever, I know that. But when something extraordinarily special happens in your life, those memories become apart of who you are. And you want those memories to last and continue on for as long as they possibly can. I don't think I will ever be able to describe the impact this club has had on me and Pep was apart of that. I always had hope that he would renew his contract and continue to renew it. I had this crazy idea that he could possibly be the next Fergie for us. I never wanted to think about what it would be like if he left. And when I received the news this morning, it was difficult to deal with.

I completely understand his reasons for wanting to leave. I can only imagine the immense responsibility and stress that comes with the job of being the coach for a team that is considered the best in the world. He aged so much in the four years he coached. He said he wanted the spirit he had in the first year he....and I guess it's better that he leaves now, instead of continuing on if he is unhappy and burnt out. 

Although I'm thankful the assistant coach is the new coach, seeing the pitch without a lively Pep Guardiola flailing his arms at his players will be difficult. Post-game press conferences without his encouraging words will be a foreign concept. He won 13 out of 17 possible titles for us. He restored faith and set the bar so high. Legendary is the perfect word to describe Pep and I am thankful for the time and energy he put into the club. I'm grateful I witnessed the Guardiola era, because it's going to go down in history as a legendary era. The thrill that surged through him as he ran off the bench to rejoice with others when Iniesta scored the goal against Chelsea during the 2009/2010 Champions League semifinal will always be my favorite moment. And like Pep said before, sometimes you laugh, and sometimes you cry. And today is one of those days. You will truly be missed by millions, gracies Pep.