I won my third and final match love and love. It was unfortunate that the competition wasn't all that tough. But I used the matches to work on my serving (which I had been having trouble with), work on my focus, and work on placement of shots. Any matches I can get right now are good matches, regardless of the level. Phil squeaked through his semis on Saturday morning against Tom. Tom dominated the first set 6-1, then at some point while leading in the second set he pulled a high rib cage muscle, which made serving very difficult. At 5-5 in the second set Tom retired knowing that if he won he wouldn't be able to play the singles and doubles final that were to follow. Phil then played the singles final against Sal Castillo and lost love and two. Phil didn't play very well, and Sal is just plain tough. Tom was able to play the doubles final, (Phil's third match of the day) and they won 6-0, 7-6. It was all in all a good tournament for all of us. Our goals were to get matches under our belt and get ready for our fall nationals. Mission accomplished.
My brother and Elise were just great throughout the week we were there. Having them there at our matches was really special. I know my Mom would have just loved to have been there with all of us together.
We dropped Tom at the airport Sunday morning and headed out on our seven hour drive from St. Louis to Little Rock. We got in town around 4:30 and came straight to Sharon and Steve's house where we're staying. Oh my gosh!!! One of the most beautiful, tastefully decorated homes I've ever seen. It is just amazing. A good dinner out last night, and early to bed as we were whipped. Today has been a whirlwind of trying to fit in everything I wanted to do in only one day. Top of the list were:
- eat a Shipley Donut's....best chocolate filled donuts ever, great childhood memories!
- multiple visits to the columbarium at the church where my parents are buried
- driving by the public courts where I hit my first tennis balls (Walker Tennis Center)
- going to the Little Rock Racquet Club, where I spent hundreds of hours hitting tennis balls and swimming
- standing on the court my Dad and I hit countless tennis balls on
- seeing my best friend Melissa, that I haven't seen in quite some time
There's just not enough time, but I've made time for everything above. We'll leave early tomorrow morning for Destin. It's about a ten hour drive, but it will give us time to reflect and talk about the past 11 days we've been gone. I have so much to be thankful for, and one of the most important is Phil. He has been such a rock of support for me in so many ways. I am forever grateful for all he has done for me in the short time we've been together.
Back to work and to the real world. I couldn't have made this trip without the support at work with Renee, Jerry and everyone else who has pitched in to cover while we've been gone.
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