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I hadn’t seen my cousin Mimi in approximately 12 years. I was so excited about going to Georgia and seeing
her and meeting her granddaughter for the first time. I was also excited about her seeing the girls as well. She had only seen Elizabeth at the age of 11 months and had never met Mary.
Mimi has always been a go getter, and an extremely hard worker. Honestly, of all my cousins, she is the one growing up that I most admired, because of the fact she was so determined, never looked at anything from a defeatist point of view. Honestly, it isn’t the super athletes or mega stars that children embrace, it is actually family members. Children look for role models that are within their reach, that they can talk to and touch. Mimi has always been that person. That’s why I love her so much. She has always been just Mimi!
We arrived at her residence and for the life of me I don’t know why I was amazed at her home which is incredibly awesome! This mammoth structure was home to three people! I said, “Mimi, my goodness! Your home is absolutely amazing!”
She giggled in that girlish trademark voice and said, “Thank you!”
I inquired, “Why is the garage door cracked?” Soon after I asked that question, I understood why. She had two dogs in the garage. One was hollering all over the place, or shall I say barking? No, I meant it, I said it 
right the first time. That dog hollered incessantly! I named her, Good Golly Miss Molly, (not her real name of course)! If nothing else she was a wonderful watch dog. Just hollered too darn much! The other dog was up in years, so I wasn’t worried about Ole’ Joe (not his real name either). He is a beautiful dog, just old as heck that’s all.
It was quite late so we talked momentarily and she led us to our rooms for much needed rest. Later the next day we had an opportunity to talk.
“Yvonne, Kayla and I look at the girls’ website. It’s going to take me six months to read all of that!”
Laughing, “Yes, it’s a lot of information. I definitely have a gift for gab! Honestly, there is always something for me to write about. I’m like the sports journalist for junior tennis!”
“Wow, you write all of the articles?”
“Yes, never lack for something to write about having two girls playing tennis.”
“When my granddaughter and I looked at it for the very first time she said, ‘You mean they are my cousins?’ I told her they sure are! She was so proud of them, couldn’t wait to meet them. I was proud of them too!”
“Yes, Ellie was the same way when she saw the website. It’s important for children to see other children doing positive things in life, striving for their goals, and making the tough decisions to realize their dreams. It’s one thing to see them on the internet, it quite another to see them face to face.”
“Yvonne, I don’t know how you do it.”
“Don’t do much else. The girls’ coach is incredible. So in their corner, that’s a blessing! I’m working on my master degree in education, and it’s like I’m already burning the candle in the middle, and at both ends. God doesn’t put anymore on you than you can handle, so I eternalize that belief.”
“You’re right!”
Kayla of course couldn’t wait to see the people that were proclaimed her cousins in the flesh! To Mary and Elizabeth’s young cousins, they are the equivalent of rock stars. It is always amazing to me how children are so hungry for role models and to know that these girls are her cousins and indeed an awesome revelation to a 6 year old child. She was so proud of them, proud to be related to them, proud to be able to finally meet the two girls that she read about. Mary and Elizabeth looked like her and therefore, she was immediately struck by that! She couldn’t believe that these girls had obtained so much at such a young age. In the eyes of a child as young as Kayla that was impressive even to her.
We were trying to get the transportation schedule together for the girls. Mimi said, “Yvonne, we’ll all go on Saturday to watch Mary play. Since George and Vanessa are coming and Liz plays on Sunday, I’ll take her to her match and you can take Mary to hers.”
“Okay, that sounds like a plan.”
Mimi didn’t know that much about tennis. She was proud of the girls and assisted in anyway necessary.
I told her, “Mimi, Kevin invited us to stay at his place in Alpharetta.”
“You told him you have family? You’re staying with family.”
“Yes, I told him. He understood. That was an extremely kind gesture to welcome us into his home, he lives very close to the tennis site hosting Mary’s tournament; totally convenient!”
“No you’re staying with me.”
I chuckled, “Of course, been years since I’ve seen you.”
That Sunday, Mary, Elizabeth and I headed to the courts to warm up and Mimi, George and Vanessa took Elizabeth to her tennis match later that morning.
I received a text from Mimi later that morning. “Liz won. Great job! Liz is bad!”
I texted back, “Bad meaning good? What was the score?”
“5-3.”
“Do you mean 6-3?”
Mimi replied, “Yes. Kenadi is also bad. That means super good!”
I laughed at the message.
“They are playing seriously and smiling. They love the game.”
“That’s true.”
When Mary and I arrived at Elizabeth’s site to watch her doubles’ match, I asked Mimi why she was still there. She said earlier she would leave to go home and cook.
She responded, “Well Liz didn’t want me to leave so I stayed here.”
“That figures.”
“I told her George and Vanessa would be here with her but she said she wanted me to stay too.”
“And of course you complied.”
“Well, Liz is so sweet, it’s not like I get a chance to watch her play. It’s okay, but it is too hot to be out here playing tennis! I found me some shade, this sun is burning up. I can only imagine how hot it is on the court! But Yvonne, Liz is really good. She’s an excellent tennis player. I don’t understand that much about tennis and never watched it until now, but I know when someone is good and Liz is good. All these girls hit the ball so hard!”
“Yes, I know what you mean, I was hitting against Elizabeth one day and she was hitting the ball back so hard, I was being pushed backwards! Of course she thought it was funny. I can only back-up so far, then I’m at the darn fence!”
As we observed the match, Elizabeth and Kenadi played very well together. Elizabeth hit a forehand and we all pretty much agreed it was awesome. After that shot Mimi asked, “Can we go now? Is it over?”
I laughed, “Not yet, if they win this point, they will be pretty close to winning the set and then the match.”
“Oh, I thought it was almost over.”
“With tennis you never know. They are dominating so we’ll see, The score is 5-1.”
“I’ll keep my fingers cross.”
Every time Elizabeth or Kenadi won a point, Mimi inquired, “Can we go now?”
I would reply, “Not much longer.”
She’d sat with her fingers crossed. I tell you, she was absolutely hilarious!
The girls played the last point and walked to the next to shake their opponent’s hands.
Mimi said, “It’s over with now right?”
“Yes, it’s finally over.”
“Thank God! Good. I’ve been here all morning and all afternoon. This is like a job!”
“Yes it is. Definitely a labor of love.”
“It sure is, the girls need to write a story about their super mom!”
Now if I have to say who’s super bad it’s actually Mimi and I mean it in a good way!
Congratulations on winning the consolation of the National Championship Hardcourt in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Director, also congratulated Mary on her sportsmanship and hoped to see her again next year.
One of the referees is also a coach at Windward. He tried to congratulate Mary by squirting her with a water gun. Elizabeth warned her and she took off like a bat out of hades. Well he stopped long enough to pose with her for a picture. 
After the picture he retrieved the water gun again, and this time Mary saw him and took off running like her posterior was on fire. In that heat she should have welcomed the opportunity to be doused in water other than her own sweat! Great tennis facility with awesome people. Look forward to returning next year!
George and Vanessa, couldn’t have done it without you. George you woke up at 5:30AM to get ready to take Mary to her matches, and also took Elizabeth to hers. Given the distance of 65 miles apart for each tournament site, there is no way I could have accomplished such an incredibly impossible feat! Next Year, we will definitely be better organized. Never know how 
important family is, when you have two children participating in the same sport. Thanks again for coming 700 miles to support the girls in their athletic endeavors. It meant so much!
Samantha was playing her match during the same time as Mary. She had come over to the court earlier while Mary was playing and asked, “How is Mary doing?”
“Just fine. What time do you play?”
“11:30.”
“God bless sweetheart. We’ll be over just as soon as Mary is done.”
Sam smiled and said, “Okay.”
George and I congratulated Mary on her win and she inquired, “Thank you. Is Samantha still on the court?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Okay, I’m going to go and watch her play.”
We all headed over to watch her. I introduced George to Sam’s grandmother, Betty. I tell you, all grandmothers should look as good as Betty! She’s a knock out!
George took a seat next to Betty and I stood and watch the match. Sam was winning the first set decisively and prevailed. She had a tough lefty and she was a big girl, not big as in overweight, but big as in strong. Her forehand of course was her best shot, but given that she was left handed, it was an formidable weapon. Sam was getting down on herself in the second set. 
I was perplexed because she won the first set! All that was necessary was for her to continue to play just like she played in the first set.
I shouted, “Come on Sam you can do this!”
She looked over in my direction and smiled. I responded again, “Come on!”
There was another mother and daughter that took a seat near me and they also offered her words of encouragement. Mary, George and Betty started doing the same. When Sam won a point, we all applauded. If she won a great point, we definitely applauded and verbalize, “Great shot! Great job!” This is exactly what Sam needed to hear! She began making more and more shots. You could see her confidence building. She was gaining momentum. On the other hand, her opponent didn’t have anyone rooting for her. When she missed a point, she just looked solemn, she never showed any negative emotion or anguish, however, you could see she would have welcomed some support. On occasion, when Sam’s opponent hit a good shot, I did respond favorably to her and said, “Good shot.” She would glanced over at me, and I’m sure she welcomed the support. However, Sam was Mary’s doubles’ partner, and I like Sam, so I support a child more when I know him or her, this was the case with Sam. It’s never an issue of race with me. I think some people think that I should support the Black child because I’m Black. Contrary to popular belief, I support the child I know regardless of their racial makeup. I root for all children, regardless. I’m just a little louder when I know the child. You could be striped like a zebra, if I like you, I’ll support you.
Sam now had a support group that comprised seven people.
We supported her with encouraging words
and applauds. She in turn turned demonstrated her appreciation by focusing and winning the match. She was losing the second set, and literally turned it all around and prevailed winning the match! All Sam needed to hear was that we believed in her. We all demonstrated to her she had our support. Is a picture worth a 1,000 words?
Upon our arrival to Boca Raton, Florida, I promised my little cousin I would come and pick her up so she could spend some time with the girls. Children don’t understand when you don’t keep your promise, even if you have a valid reason. All they understand is that you made a promise and I was determined to keep mind. Honestly, I felt it was important to be one of my word. No matter what I’m was going to pick her up. Her grandmother said she was so excited about her trip. I could not disappoint her under any circumstances. The girls were also excited about seeing her as well. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for so long I think that’s the only way I can function!
She stayed with us for about 5 days. She was definitely ready to play some tennis, but the poor child didn’t have any energy! She was totally out of shape.
I inquired, “Ellie, I thought you were taking dance lessons?”
“Yes, I am.”
“My goodness, you must don’t move too much.”
After she caught her breath she said, “No we don’t.”
“Sweetheart, then what’s the point?”
Still gasping for air she sighed, “I don’t know.”
“Well, Sweetie Pie, you’re going to get in shape here that’s for sure.”
Poor child was still trying to catch her breath. I just shook my head. I couldn’t believe how out of shape was.
We were watching Mary play her match. All of a sudden she started jumping around like she had ants in her pants shaking and hitting her leg! She exclaimed, “I have a cramp in my leg! I have a cramp in my leg! It hurts!”
Elizabeth laughed and concerned I said, “Sweetie Pie at the age of 6 your joints are cramping?”
Elizabeth continued to laugh. Ellie said, “My leg is cramping, my leg is hurting me! It has a cramp in it!”
I showed her how to massage her leg. “I’m 51 and I don’t have the aches and pains you have. We have to get you in better shape!”
She walked around for a moment and her leg felt better. Elizabeth shook her head, still laughing and said, “Ellie you have to get in better shape. You shouldn’t have leg cramps at 6 years old.”
She looked up at Elizabeth with those big pretty brown eyes and said, “Okay.”
The next day, Elizabeth was warming up with Maia, a friend of hers. We had to walk to the car to get Elizabeth’s tennis bag. Elizabeth and Ellie rode in Maia’s car and I walked. Once I gave Elizabeth her tennis bag, Ellie went back to the car thinking she too was going with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled and said, “No Ellie, you have to go with my Mom, you can’t go with me.”
Upset, “Oh, I want to go with you?”
“No you can’t come, Mom will bring you later after Mary’s match okay.”
“Okay, but I’m tired.”
I interjected. “Sweetheart you need to exercise. You have the brain of Einstein and the body of a 90 year old woman.”
Donna, Maia’s mom burst out laughing, I continued, “Baby, you got to get in shape, this is ridiculous.”
“I’m tired of walking.”
Elizabeth responded, “My mom will get you in shape, you’ll be just fine.” She gave her a hug.
I said, “Come on old lady and let’s get you in shape! You’re doing great, you’re going to be a new person in a week.”
Everyone laughed but Ellie.
As we headed back to the tennis court to watch Mary play, Ellie said, “Aunt Yvonne I’m tired.” She took a deep breath and huffed and puffed as she walked. “May I stop walking?”
“No Sweetheart, but I will slow down so you can catch your breath. How about that?”
“Okay.”
Just so happen we were approaching a bench. She tried to sit down.
“Oh Ellie, you’re doing so good! You can’t sit down, we have to keep moving, but you’re doing great!”
“Okay, do we have much further to walk?”
“No not at all.”
We made it back to the tennis court to watch Mary play. Ellie had such a long day. She fell asleep in the car to Elizabeth’s site and after the matches we headed home where she fell asleep in the car again. Mary helped her take a bath; she ate dinner and was out like a light.
After a week of exercising, upon her arrival home, she was a different child! I saw her running the full length of the entire backyard, back and forth and was not out of breath! I was pleasantly amazed and surprised! She was enjoying herself immensely with this newfound energy! Miss. Einstein is definitely on her way to becoming Miss. Fitness!
George had taken Mary to several of her tennis matches. For those two days, he watched Mary play and was so impressed with her overall game.
He said, “Mary is an athlete. I watch her sprint after the balls, the way she hits the ball is a pleasure to watch. Once she grows to full height, these girls better watch out. But you know the one thing I noticed most about her is that she’s so courteous to her opponents. One of the girls was really short, and Mary helped her get her name tag down. The girl was upset from her defeat snatched the card from Mary’s hand. Her parents observed the entire incident and their daughter’s poor behavior.”
I laughed, “Really?”
“Yeah, she was really upset because she loss. Her parents were really nice and complimented Mary on her sportsmanship and the fact that she could have really beat their daughter down, but Mary did just enough to win the match. In Mary eyes, she wanted to win, but she didn’t want to embarrass her opponent. I was like wow, a compassionate tennis player, who still wins but treats her opponent with respect. That’s unheard of today especially in these young kids of today. These kids want to win at all cost and so do their parents. They don’t care what they do. There aren’t that many black people here. I spoke to some of the junior players and they just looked at me. Even some of the black parents looked at me but wouldn’t speak.”
“Yes, like crabs in a barrel. Yes, it’s too bad too. The parents set the tone and if they’re displaying horrible behavior, how can they expect any less from their children? On the other hand I have seen kids that have the nicest parents, but it’s like they’re scare of the children. They literally allow them to get away with murder! I’ve already warned my children. You act like a fool like here I’m going to get you!”
George laughed and said, “Mary played her match yesterday against this little girl. She obviously could have really hit the ball hard and just wiped the floor with the little girl. But you know she just hit the ball enough to win, she didn’t destroy that girl out there. She showed so much compassion towards her. I couldn’t believe it! I congratulated her on her playing and asked why didn’t she hit the ball harder? Do you know what she said?”
“No.”
“She said she didn’t want to hurt the little girl’s arm. Can you believe that? She said she knew she could beat her, so it wasn’t a need to do that. I was totally blown away. As people congratulated me, I’m sure they thought I was her dad. I told them I have to give all credit to my cousin. She is the one that has raised both her daughters to be like they are. She has done an incredible job with her girls. Her sister is playing in Peachtree City in the 14s. They just couldn’t believe it!”
George laughed, “Yvonne, if you were there the two days that I had taken Mary, you would have been so proud of her. I was amazed at the number of people that were coming up to me congratulating her and complimenting her behavior on the court. They were so impressed with her. I would tell everyone, I can’t take any credit for Mary. My cousin deserves all the credit for both her daughters. She is the one that has raised them this way. She has done a wonderful job with both her girls.”
It appears that there were quite a few people watching Mary and commenting on her sportsmanship on the court to the tournament director. He pulled me to the side and said, “Mrs. Profit, I just thought I would let you know there were quite a few compliments on Mary’s wonderful behavior on the court. These compliments came from both parents and her peers. They all said the same thing. She is so kind and thoughtful and an amazing tennis player. You have done a great job with your daughter and we look forward to seeing her back next year too. It has been a pleasure having her here.”
I was absolutely stunned by this relavation! “Really? You received compliments from both parents and her peers.” I was really amazed because there were over 250 girls in this tournament. It was such an honor for her to be recognized for what she should be doing anyway, being respectful, courteous and kind.
“Yes, she was in second place in regards to receiving the Sportsmanship Award. Honestly, with all the compliments I’m surprised she didn’t get it. However, we’re proud of her and thought you should know what everyone was saying.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind of you. That’s something how people are watching when you’re no where around. You try to lead by example and teach your child to be courteous because you never know whose watching. I’m glad she has carried herself in an exemplary manner even when I don’t have my eyes on her. That makes me feel really proud that all my hard work is paying off.”
“Absolutely. You have done a great job with her.”
He walked away and I told George about this conversation. He said, “I told you people were coming up to me bragging about her. I was blown away and so proud of her too! All your hard work has definitely paid off. She’s not only a great tennis player but a nice person too.”
“Wow, thanks a lot!”
“Hey, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“So they say.”
Mary, Mary quite contrary, you have been my pride and joy and sometimes a pain. I often wondered if this child is insane! You fuss one minute and be so loving the next. I first thought that you were possibly had been hexed! But through all the love and discipline I showed you, you must have listened because at this tournament my God you sure glistened! I explained constantly horrible behavior is a no, no, no, even spanked your butt, ran countless miles, because her court demeanor was bad. My friend who took us became so sad. He asked, “Yvonne, do you think that’s too much she has another match to play?” I responded, “If she doesn’t get her act together, I’m going to more than make her run a mile. I will guarantee you, there will be no smile. She knows better to act in such away. I will not tolerate her going astray! I have to give her food for thought to let her know this is wrong. I either correct her now or we both will be singing a sad song!” Spare the rod and spoil the child, I see it happen so many times. My kids know I’m not going to put up with that crap. I’ll put a stop to it now while I still have chance. Once they’re 18 all I can do is pray. They have told their friends, “If you were my mother’s child your butt would belong to her. She would not put up with that, and she would cut you no slack. You need to be more respectful to your parents, because they are really nice. You don’t miss your water until it become cold as ice! The kids need to realize that there are consequences for their actions. If I have to take it out on their butt, when they’re little, I had no problem doing that at all. I make the tough decisions now, so they don’t have to take a fall. I don’t care about their frown, they better do as I say, they better hope I don’t see attitude because they next thing they’ll need to do is pray! They will do as I say because I’m their first teacher I was raised with God in my life, and listened to my mother and preacher. My mother was my first role model and I miss her dearly. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, dang it I can see. I’m so proud of Mary for representing well, if you raise them with discipline and a lot of love, time will surely tell!
I was in the kitchen at my cousin Mimi’s preparing to fix another homemade Rich Cake as it is called. The first one was devoured in less than a day. Kayla enjoyed eating the first one so much, she wanted to partake in making this one. Usually children are totally fascinated and are always willing to help out. Kayla was no exception to this rule. Mind you because I have been making this cake for over 42 years, I can whip the batter 
up in about 15 minutes. However, if a child is desirous of learning, I’m willing to teach. I don’t want to impede any child’s growth. It’s important to take advantage of educational opportunity when it presents itself. I allowed Kayla to help me with the cake and she eagerly assisted. She mixed the batter, cracked the eggs, and combined the milk, flour and baking powder. Even though it took us an hour and a half to make the cake, the happiness it brought her was well worth the effort. A picture is worth a thousand words! Her mom and grandmother were so proud of her! I was about the same age (6) when I started making cakes and assisting my mother in the kitchen. 
Now, after all these years I’m a pretty darn good cook! I shared some a couple of years ago with Stephanie (a tennis mom) at a tournament, and her husband took a bite of it and literally snatched the rest of the cake from her. Every time I see him the first thing he says is, “Yvonne, made a cake lately?” I would like to share this recipe to all that visit our website. This is basically one of the best recipes in the world! This recipe is over 70 years old! Enjoy as much as Kayla did making and eating it!
Rich Cake Recipe
1 cup of butter
2 cups of sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla flavoring
1 teaspoon of pure lemon flavoring
4 eggs, separate yellow of the eggs and mix it first. Place the white of the eggs to the side
2-1/2 teaspoons of baking powder (Please check expiration date on container)
3 cups of Downs Cake Flour®
1 cup of milk
It’s important to not substitute any of the ingredients and not to over beat the mixture. Mix the butter, sugar and flavorings first until creamy. Add in the 4 yellow of the eggs and mix well. Set the whites of the eggs to the side in a bowl. Measure the cake flour and baking powder, and intermix the milk and flour into the mixture. Beat the white of the eggs until fluffy and add last to the mixture. Make sure you oil and flour the cake pan very well to prevent it from sticking. Bake at 350° degrees for approximately 1 hour or until golden brown and the cake has pulled away from the sides of the cake pan. Enjoy this truly delicious cake.
This is also a wonderful recipe for diabetics because it doesn’t elevate the blood sugar level dramatically. The best thing of all it’s all natural and delicious!
Coach David with his endless list of tennis associates made contact with Kevin Klabunde of Babolat who arranged for the girls to practice prior to hard courts championships at the Windward Tennis Center. I can see why Windward was name top Tennis Facility in the nation by the USTA, it’s absolutely gorgeous! The coaches were incredible and I cannot thank Kevin enough for arranging such a wonderful opportunity for the girls. Kevin took the time out of his busy schedule to formally introduce himself, assisted with directions because my gps didn’t realize the same street had 20 different names! He came to see Mary play some of her match and he even offered us an invitation to stay at his lovely home during the tournament! 
Now is that southern hospitality? Maybe I stand corrected because he’s from California! Anyway you look at it; it was an awesome gesture to extend his home us. I opted instead to stay with our cousin Mimi. Thanks to everyone your support and consideration. We certainly hope to return next year to this beautiful facility with the most genuinely incredible coaches, staff and some of the top juniors in the nation!
Sam and Mary made it to the semi-finals in consolation round in the National Championship Hardcourt in Alpharetta, Georgia. My cousin George was a life saver because he was kind enough to take Mary to her tournament and gave me an opportunity to watch Elizabeth in some of her matches. I can really relate to why parents only pursue developing one child as oppose to two. Now it’s blazing clear to me! Elizabeth played in Peachtree City and Mary in Alpharetta and that’s over 65 miles apart. If I had to do this by myself which I did in Florida for the clay courts, I would have literally spent the majority of my time driving from one site to the next. Mimi, my other cousin took Elizabeth to her site and Elizabeth refused to allow her to leave! Ahhh, the beauty of having your family support your children as they endeavor in their sport. That was truly a blessing!
Getting back to the tournament! Sam and Mary were so excited about making it to the semi-finals and so were we! Mary and Sam had won their singles match and were ready for doubles. They were scheduled to play at 12:00pm. The time was perfect because George and Mary would have an opportunity to leave early enough to avoid the traffic. I texted George to find out when the girls were going to play their doubles match.
He texted me back. “It’s been delayed for 30 minutes.”
I didn’t question this because I assumed it was delayed because the courts were backed up. I received another text from him.
“It’s been delayed for another hour.”
I was perplexed by this second text because it didn’t make much sense to me. I assumed again that it was a court delay because of so many matches. Wow, was I grotesquely mistaken! Remember that saying when it comes to assume? You make a a-s-s out of you and me!
The girls loss their doubles match. I saw George a little later that evening he was absolutely exhausted from the match delay and the traffic but totally excited about his experience.
“George so what do you think?”
“Yvonne this is amazing! It’s awesome! I love sports, so to see the girls play and they’re my relatives just makes this even more incredible to me! The girls are so good! To see them on the website and read your articles that are sometimes plain old hilarious is one thing. To see them in a match is totally another. Mary hit these angle shots in her singles match that were incredible. She flips her wrist like this and the balls were impossible for her opponent to get to.
“Wow. She’s a lefty but learned to play with her right hand, and I think that girl is double jointed! She can’t twist herself up like spaghetti! She’s very flexible. I’ve seen her do the splits like James Brown! The only thing is both her legs are spread out.”
“Wow, she’s an exciting player to watch that’s for sure.”
“Well, why was it delayed for so long anyway?”
“One of their opponents had a singles match that lasted for 3-1/2 hours. She was tired.”
“George no matter, she is only allowed 30 minutes to rest before doubles. Look, Elizabeth played a match in San Diego, her blood sugar had dropped really low down to 32. Her match lasted for 3 hours and she had to play doubles. She was only allowed 30 minutes to rest and to get her blood sugar back up. It doesn’t matter that this girl’s match lasted for 3-1/2 hours. That’s the nature of the sport.”
Regretfully he said, “I didn’t know that.”
“Yes, they knew you didn’t know too, that’s why they did what they did.Okay, who came and asked for an hour break?”
“The father of the girl, her name is DeeDee. Her dad asked Sam for another hour.”
I exclaimed, “You mean DeeDee’s father did that? He knew better! That’s why he asked Sam, a child and not an adult. He knew what he was doing. Basically when he asked Sam for another hour he was actually saying. “Sam, you know DeeDee is tired right now from her long match. If she plays you guys now, they are going to lose. Now if she can have another hour of rest she and her doubles’ partner will kick you and Mary’s butt no problem. What do you say Sam?”
George laughed, “Yvonne are you serious?”
“Very. He knew what he was doing. He basically placed his daughter and her partner in the best possible position to win. He could have cared less about Sam and Mary, all he wanted was for his daughter to win and that’s it. If any parent ask you anything it’s not for the benefit of Mary that’s for sure especially if their child is playing my child.”
George shook his head. “Now it makes sense. You know when this happened I didn’t feel comfortable with it at all. It just didn’t feel right to me.”
“Hey if it doesn’t feel right say no.”
“Well he asked Sam so I didn’t know.”
“Adults overrule children. That’s why he asked Sam and didn’t ask you or Sam’s grandmother. He knew exactly what he was doing. He never would have asked me if I was there because he knows better.”
“Unbelievable some of these parents are something else! You know he asked me if he could get some water on the court too. I told him yes.”
I chuckled. “George I’m going to school you really good, because some of these parents are going to look at you as a sucker and prey on you like a vulgar waiting on his prey to die. They will appeal to your conscious of doing the right thing while they’re trying to get the upper hand for their child’s benefit. Just tell them no with a smile. The reason why it didn’t feel right is because he was screwing over the girls. That’s okay, I’m sure they’ll meet again. It’s all in learning.
George shook his head in utter disgust. “Yeah, I’m sorry for that. You’re right I just can’t believe what he did. He asked Sam if he could get some water on the court and Sam told him no.”
“Good for Sam. I bet your tomorrow when you see him, he’ll have his bottle of water in his hand, and he probably won’t say two words to you either. His mission was accomplished.”
“Unbelievable. I bet you that won’t ever happen again!
“Oh rest assured the father knows it too.”
Sorry for the delay. Too much to do! The articles will be a little out of sequence. Should be on track shortly. Hope you enjoy the articles, first update today! Thanks for your support!
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