He arrived Thursday at two-thirty with his wife to watch a lesson with six year old Amanda….a friend of the family. Years ago, this elderly gentleman had been a much in demand tennis pro and educator blessed to have the opportunity to inspire kids in tennis.
It was apparent that his other companion….an oxygen tank….would no longer permit him to pursue his passion on the court. I began the lesson with Amanda and this precocious six year old delighted in showing off her Chris Evert like two fisted backhand. Soon she was at the net hitting volleys and overheads to the amazement of her friends sitting next to court 4.
Amanda glanced occasionally to see if the aging coach approved of her play and he smiled and gave her a thumbs up after her first serve landed in the service box. The half hour lesson seemed to be over in ten minutes as Amanda finished by winning a trip to Dairy Queen from her mother.
I walked with her to say goodbye to the former coach and his wife. Shaking his hand, I noticed a tear rolling down his cheek and he struggled for words as we parted. Clearly, he missed being on the tennis court….the thousands of magical moments he used to share with kids like Amanda. It reminded me how fortunate we are as coaches to share such special times with those we teach.
One day, we too might have to move on from the game we love and the people whose passion to improve makes each day a gift. I’m going to savor every minute today on the court and hopefully make some memories that will sustain me if that day ever comes and I have to watch from the sidelines.
Thanks kids….your spirit, laughter, and hustle makes this coach want to stay on court for many years to come.
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