Speaking Tennis

Day 454:

"I don't know if I can do this," as we sat and watched Sam finish his last match of the day in a see-saw three set match,...Kim's nerves had been tested through the course of this week as Sam tried out for the tennis team and had his first tournament, already.




Alex and Sam ran the gamut as freshmen, going through tie-breakers, playing a top ranked team in the state, a three setter to wrap up the entire tournament as the last on the courts,... and placing third in their flight. The team placed 2nd (without even having their number 1 singles player there). So to respond to Kim's nerves, I simply reminded her, "What if my mother were here?" That pretty much puts things into perspective.

The best part of the day,...everything!







WWSD

It's always wonderful to have role models. Those who have been there before you, that you look up to, that you respect,... that you use as your life compass. We saw it with Sam this weekend, but we had seen it about a year ago with Shanna and Hannah.

In Hannah's case for her past speaking engagements with the United Way, it's been great to refer to the old stand-by of 'What Would Shanna Do?' As we stood before another group, I reminded Hannah that people would more than likely want to SEE her arm, which was covered by her splint that she wears. "No Dad!" apparently the discussion was over when it came to my prodding her to remove the splint.

What she failed to realize was my ace in the hole, my trick up my sleeve, my,... trump card: "Well, what would Shanna do in this situation?" with a raise of my eyebrow I knew I had asked the question that already had an answer to it.

Not even a response,... just a gaze, followed by the handing over of the splint. Hannah went on to give her brief speech,... and kept her left hand over her right forearm to cover it. Little steps, little steps. This week we're off to St. Joe High School to talk to teachers.