I'm Officially Old

Sooo much to catch you up on, sorry for the delay....not enough hours in my day.  Ok, so Natalie and I headed to Charlotte on Thursday afternoon.  With a stop in Columbia for dinner with friends.  We met with American soldier Andrew's family.  A college friend of Natalie, who happens to be a boom operator and is keeping us safe.  We enjoyed dinner with Jenny, Greg and Erica.  As well with visiting with Audrey and her beautiful new daughter Dagny.  We even were able to exchange a few texts messages and pictures with Andrew, who of course wishes he was having dinner with us....but he has work to do, on our behalf.  A wonderful family and visit!

Miss Dagny and Miss Natalie!

We continued onto our hotel in Rock Hill for the night.  Nat's appointment was at 7:45 a.m., so we were up and out early.  Although our bodies and minds wanted to stay in bed.  Made our way to Dr. Anderson's office, which to our surprise was filled with staff and patients.  The x-ray showed that Natalie was healing well, but the break was still visible.  Again, due to lack of blood supply to that area, very hard to heal the break, will take a while.  But all was going well.  The stitches were removed and of course....had to bleed a while.....nothing is ever easy for our gal.  With the bleeding stopped and the new "toe" splint in place we received our next plan of action.  Which is.....splint for two weeks, no driving, can shower.  Then to the boot for four weeks.  Then to shoe with insert.  Recheck October 30th.

The bone graph was done here.

Site that was used to harvest the bone for the graph.

There you have it.  We left the office hopeful and excited with the news.  The little things as they say.  Made our way home with a couple of stops along the way.  Did beat the holiday and race traffic, thank goodness.  Had to make it quick, because Natalie had a coaching job to get home to.  She was to escort a junior player to Birmingham for a tourney Friday evening.  So, we had no time to waste.

Coach Pluskota in Action!

Just about home and Nat received a text saying that they wouldn't leave for Alabama until Saturday since the gal didn't play until the afternoon.  Nat was excited, because then she could go with me to watch Coach Pluskota (her brother) coach his second regular season high school game.  So, after a quick nap out the door we went.  Join by Jaynie and Sadie, we went to watch high school football, and had a blast.

Yesterday morning, I dropped Nat off with Caroline and they made their way to Alabama.  Unfortunately, horrible weather kept all the matches off the court.   And they had an 8 a.m. match, Nat's favorite...hahahahha....NOT!   Oooo the joys of junior tennis, glad its her and not me!  Want to share a text I got from Nat this morning....soooo funny:

"That moment yesterday when I'm crutching into the hotel and a mom and her daughter go are you Natalie Pluskota and I'm like yes.  And the mom and girl go....OMG my daughter was a ball kid for you a long time ago....I'm officially old!"

Yea....OK....Nat...you are old at 24....ahahahah now that's funny on sooo many levels!  So, sweet that they remember Natalie.  Guess it was a good experience for the young player, so that's good!

Well, Caroline won this morning and will play again at one.  I guess she will play a total of 4 matches today if she continues here winning ways.  Hope the matches are done by game time, or our gal will not be a happy camper.  Oooo well, the price of being a working girl!  Guess, I can send her updates.

Our Nana will turn 90....yes 90 on Tuesday.  So, been preparing a lil family celebration.  Excited to have found someone to bake her a cake and decorate it with a Wheel of Fortune theme.  Her favorite T.V. show.  Yesterday, my son Ed took her and me out for a birthday dinner.  She really enjoyed herself and time with her first grandson.

I think that catches you up on everything!  Hope our world finds PEACE and soon, so we can bring Andrew and all soldiers home to their families.  God Bless American!  Love and Blessings ....Sherry!

HHmmmm What Kind of Jobs....

Wow....29,001 views of our blog....THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  We appreciate your interest in Natalie and her life as a professional tennis player.  As you know, part of the life in injuries....unfortunately.  And the current injury has our gal going bonkers sitting on the sofa just ain't her style.  Must say tho, she has had many friends either sending her awesome care packages, thank you Jan.   And several cards and notes have been delivered too, always brings a smile to her face when something arrives in the mail.

And many thanks to her friends that have reached out to Natalie and or come by to "rescue" her from the sofa.  Last night a dear friend (Lauren) from high school took her out for dinner.  Before that she watched Sadie play softball thanks to Nic and Jaynie.

The one thing that has been happening that brings mixed emotions are job offers.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm very proud that soooo many think enough of Natalie that they are offering her some amazing positions.  But it only confuses her more as to what she wants to do.  Being very emotional due to the injury only makes the pressure (lack of better word) of turning down the job offer ten times worse.  When the injury happened we received some medical opinions that stirred Natalie in the direction of decision.  That with the job offer phones calls was becoming toooo much.  So, had to set her down and let her know that now is the time to heal, not the time to make decisions.  First, we don't know what the outcome of the surgery will be, therefore she shouldn't think her playing days are over.  Unless of course she just doesn't want to play anymore, which I truly don't think is the case.  Second, she can't take a job in the condition she is in, the foot needs to be up and no weight bearing.  Third, it is NEVER good to make major decisions when you are filled with emotions.  It is a time to step back and let God guide you, as hard as that maybe with the outside trying to swoop in.

I can sense you are wondering....hmmm what kind of jobs.  Ok....here are a couple of examples:  Assistant tennis coach at a Division 1 university, tennis coach at a new tennis center in Florida, tennis coach for private lessons at complex here in Georgia.   Yes, all are great jobs, all of which will be available in the future, maybe not at the same places but nevertheless it will be easy for her to obtain a job.  For she has many options with her degree and experience.  So, definitely no need to rush a decision to go into the "normal" working world.

Many thanks to those of you that have offered Natalie a job.  She is very excited every time she is contacted.  Excited to know she has options.  Everyone like to know they are wanted, a great feeling indeed!

Tomorrow, we will head to Charlotte for that early Friday morning doctor's appointment.  Looking forward to hearing the latest and next step to the process.  For, we are ready to get this party re started.  So, let me get my hump day party started.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

A Slap in the Face

Hello Friends!  Many of you may remember the blog I wrote back in June about the U.S. Open Playoff Series.  The one that spoke about Natalie's partner Hunter being "told" not to play in the Atlanta mixed doubles tournament with Nat.  That caused Nat to have to find a last minute partner, thank goodness for Ricky!  Anyway.....spoke about Hunter and one of the gals that won the NCAA dubs title would be getting a "wild card" into the US Open, therefore he shouldn't play with Natalie.

Well, we heard that Hunter and his new partner have been in New York training and getting ready.  Only to find out today, when the list was released that they DID NOT receive a wild card.  In fact, they are first alternate.....a slap in the face.   Boy does this story sound familiar???  Yes.....alll TOOOO!  It is a shame that college players continue to be treated in the manner.  Shame ......Shame!  Oooo well, the secret society of tennis continues another day!  

Our gal is doing well.  The swelling is down which has caused the splint to become lose.  Tending to rub and aggravate the toes.  Lucky for Natalie, we will leave on Thursday for Charlotte.  We have a 7:45 a.m. appointment on Friday morning, so there is now way I'm getting up at 3 a.m. to drive there.  So we will see the doc and then head for home.  Natalie will be traveling to Birmingham that evening to escort a junior player to a tourney there.  Make a lil money for herself, a great opportunity considering her current situation.

Sure am missing being at the U.S. Open this year.  We have enjoyed it the last two years, and were looking forward to Nat's chances for getting into the mixed and ladies dubs draws.  Dreams dashed for one more year.  Enough said, Love and Blessings....Sherry!

5th Graders at Thomas Crossroads Elementary School

Good Evening ...almost Good Morning!  Natalie, Nic and I really enjoy visiting with the 5th graders at Thomas Crossroads Elementary School.  Many thanks to Mrs. Lorrie Shaffer for the invite and willingness to put our gal ....and her brother to work.  And to Principal Dr. Simmons for a nice greeting and escort, sure to miss seeing the "big guy" on a regular basis.  Used to work with him, in another life.  He got a charge out of Natalie telling the story of jumping up and hanging on the door frames and the retired Principal Hattie Dunn always would catch her.  Or getting caught climbing any pole or pillar in the school and Principal Dunn would alllllwayyyys catch her.  YES, she was a monkey too!

Anyway, Natalie and Nic made a great team.  They were asked to speaking about the importance of setting goals.  Our gal started out and at the point of talking about her re evaluating her upcoming goals in light of her injury she choked up.  The eyes welded up to surprise of her brother.....who most graciously took over the conversation to allow her a moment to regroup.  Yea, not a dry eye in the room.  I guess, down deep she really isn't ready for her pro career to be over, guess time will tell.

Sooooo very proud of Natalie and Nic and their efforts today.  The kids were fully engaged and relating to them.  Was so very awesome to witness, a proud mom moment for sure.  I was able to record some of the presentation, the audio is not very good, forgive me.  But thought you might like to hear part of what they spoke about with the kids.  Please enjoy!  Love and Blessings....Sherry!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWZa8dZw9h4&feature=youtu.be

She is Bored

Good Morning from a muggy Georgia!  A bit of an update...Natalie has been complete off meds for three days.  She doesn't like the way they make her feel, so she puts up with the pain instead.  That's my girl, I'm the same way.  But for real, she is doing great as far as the foot is concerned.  However, she is driving me nuts cuz she is bored.  Nat is so used to be very busy, it is hard for her to sit on her bum.

Having said that, I took to Facebook and posted a message to my teacher and coaching friends.  Asking them if they need a visitor.  I mean.....can you think of a better way to rehab then being surround by a bunch of toothless wonders?  Fielding questions and hopefully inspiring young minds to set goals is a great way to spend her time.  Sooooo if you need a visitor to your classroom or to speak to your team, just let me know.  For I have to fill 5 more weeks of time....UGH!

We continue to pray everyday that this bone graph will work.  And appreciate your continued prayers.  Must thank those of you that have contacted Natalie via phone, text, twitter,  and snail mail.  She really appreciates you taking the time, so do I...thank you, thank you!

Not quiet a week since Loree left us!  Yes, left us!  That's how we feel, deserted!  I mean couldn't she just blow off her senior year of college and just stay here with us....GEEEEZZZZ!??  But for real, Loree was a great  addition to Team Pluskota and we miss her every day.  Love you Ree Ree!

Guess it's time to ready for Natalie's first school visit of the fall.  She will be going to Thomas Crossroads Elementary School.   Which is the school she attended.  Some how she has convinced her brother Nic (firefighter) to go with her, not sure how.  So, the kids are in for a treat, the tag team are headed their way.   Until the flip side of this school visit.....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Ed's Video

A lil shout out to Ed, Natalie's brother and my son.  He has been trying to get a full time teaching job for 3 years....yes...3 years.  Of course, due to Washington there weren't any jobs for him.  Well, very happy to say that he has been hired full time and we are soooo happy and proud of him!  A lil video to mark the occasion, hope you enjoy it.

Btw....Natalie is doing well!  Been able to cut back to half of a pain pill every 6-8 hours, which is awesome.  Except now she is getting bored.  So, pondering some projects to get her started on that can be done while sitting.  Or she is going to drive me crazy!

Back to  Ed and the video....here you go:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ygug22rAp0&feature=youtu.be

Thanks You Pluskotas

Today is the final day for me.  My flight leaves at 2 this afternoon and I should arrive home around 6.  This whole trip has truly been an experience that I have enjoyed.  For starters, being able to work for Team Pluskota has been such a blessing that I have been looking forward to for a while now.  Sherry and Natalie have been a lot of fun and together we make quite a team.  Even with all the craziness and "black cloud" moments I wouldn't change..."much"... about the past five weeks.  

Being on the road for so long you become grateful for all the people along the way.  Those who housed us were the biggest blessings, but meeting the players and seeing the sites was my favorite part.  I am thankful that I was there for this journey for Natalie and Sherry because they definitely needed a support system these past few weeks.  

Some of the things that I learned are: no matter how much you try to prepare, there will always be obstacles; working hard is something to always work on; and professional athletes do not always have everything handed to them.

This opportunity has given me a chance to learn and experience a lot of unique situations, and looking at a future career in Sports Management, I have gained useful knowledge.

On a side note, this last few weeks I have been waiting for hear back from a company about an internship with a wedding and event company.  I am happy to announce that I have been chosen as one of their fall interns.  The wedding season begins very soon and my schedule is getting full fast with internships, tennis, and school.

Even though the excitement about senior year has set in,  I am going to miss being around the Pluskotas.  We have experienced plane delays, traffic jams, tears, hating Canada, x-rays, MRI's, more tears, broken foot, late night clanning.. you get the message.  They have been my second family for the past month and I am going to miss them and being able to talk to them everyday.

Thanks Pluskota Family for letting me into your home and being apart of the family for awhile.  You guys seriously rock and I am so thankful to have experienced this all with you.  Even though I said,  I would change a couple things, honestly, there isn't anything I would change.  You guys are an incredible family and work so hard for one another.  I appreciate the hospitality you showed me and hope to continue to be apart of the family!  I love all of you!

Till next time...

Loree

Her Attitude Has Arrived

Yesterday, was the day that we had not been looking forward too.  We drove up to Charlotte, NC on Monday and spent the night in preparation for Tuesday's appointment, which led us to Wednesday...surgery day.  There were jitters during those few days of not knowing what was going to happen, and those jitters became nerves as we pulled up to the clinic for surgery.  As much as she wouldn't admit it, Natalie was very hesitant and anxious about this day and was ready to get it over with.  When they took her back to Pre Op, Sherry and I had to wait awhile to see her,  but we finally got to go back and one could tell the nerves and anxiety was becoming more real to her.  Natalie had a great group of people working on her, and that continued to come check in on her which definitely was reassuring to all of us.  We sat and talked to her for awhile before surgery, but then it came her time to go back so we said our goodbyes and headed back to the waiting room.

During the surgery there wasn't much to do, but eventually the phone rang and Natalie was in the recovery room waiting for us.  Walking in you could tell she had been medicated because she was in and out of sleep for about a half hour.  As time went on Natalie became more and more pale looking in the face and continued to complain about being hot.  In the past, Natalie has struggled with anesthesia and nausea, so Sherry started to fan her with her gown and we found a wet towel to put on her forehead.  Dripping sweat from her arms, neck, and face, Natalie decided its too hot and she throws off her gown!  Good thing it was only Sherry and I because the nurse was running around trying to find something she could get sick in, but we ended up avoiding that situation... THANK GOSH!

They brought some medication for her to relax her and help with nausea, which it did, and we were able to get her into her normal clothes in no time!  After getting her into the car and starting on the road tensions were high.  Her foot was propped up on the dashboard and her seat was leaned all the way back, not very comfortable with those long legs if you ask me!  On the road her attitude arrived because the medication had started to wear off and all we could think about is "how close is the hotel?"  We did stop and get her something to eat: tacos, nachos, and Japanese.  Our gal was hungry!!

We stopped in Commerce, GA and got Natalie all situated with her 5 pillows for the night.  Last night was not bad, she took her medication and went back to sleep with no problems, but this morning at 6 a. m. was not fun.  She needed more medication and had to go to the bathroom, she ended up waking everyone up.  After taking her medication she found some energy to talk to us, which we were NOT happy about.  After we ignored her long enough Natalie thought it was important to check on her "Clan" from the game Clash of Clans.  At this point she still wouldn't stop talking so I took it into my own hands to smother her for a second.  She got the message and let us go back to sleep.

The trip hasn't been paradise, but it sure has been interesting.  Our gal is doing good today, she has gotten up and taken a shower and is eating!  GOOD SIGNS!

We are headed back home today, once of course we have checked out the outlet mall here, but then its back home.  Keep the prayers coming because I know Natalie and Sherry are really appreciating them.

Till next time...

Loree

She's Out

She's out of surgery and in recovery.  Met with Dr. Anderson, all went well.  Thank you Lord!  Going to see her in a minute.  Love and Blessings, Sherry!

Here's Our Gal

Here's our gal....she has been in OR for about half an hour.  She should be to recovery in about 45 minutes or so.  Will keep you posted!  Continued prayers please!

A Lifetime with a Healthy Foot

A very anxious Natalie and I made our way to Dr. Anderson's office today.  And Loree tried to keep us sane and on task, although she was feeling it too.  After all the paperwork and mini meetings, Doc A finally came to meet with us.  Coming here today, we thought we would have a few choices.  One being, fuse the sesamoid tomorrow, back to the courts in 4-6 months.  Remove the sesamoid, possible career ender.  Or the third being, let it try to heal on its own, in the future deciding to remove or fuse.

After hearing what Doc Anderson had to say, we had to regain our senses and regroup.  In a good way!  He doesn't feel that the sesamoid is cracked in two, he thinks she was born with them that way.  therefore they are just inflamed and the area too.  Possible, small stress fracture or fractures.  At first, he suggested that we "boot" Natalie for six months and see if it heals.  After which if pain is gone she would be good to go.  If not healed, he would remove the sesamoid.  If the latter, 4-5 months healing and good to go....sooo possible a year off the court.

After my head cleared of the confusion.  I asked about the fusion procedure that Dr. Reed mentioned to us in Seattle.  Once I did, Doc started to explain and agreed it would be a great approach to Natalie situation.  So, here is what is going to happen.  Tomorrow, Natalie will go into surgery.  Dr. Anderson will take a small part of Nat's heel bone....probably the size of a half of a penny or smaller.  And he will use it to make a bone graph to the sesamoid.  She will be splinted for two weeks, or until stitches are removed.  After which she will begin "wiggle" exercises.  She will be four weeks no weight bearing.  Followed by four weeks in a boot.  Then into a shoe.  If Natalie chooses, back onto the court in bout 3 to 4 months to being light workouts.

Although this procedure has not been preformed often, he success rate is 19 out of 21.  Last year Doc Anderson preformed this very bone graph on a professional baseball player and track runner.  Both with excellent results.  He has been the pioneer of this procedure and has presented his findings for professional review.  We feel this procedure is worth the chance we are taking.  It would be far better for the health of Natalie's foot....for her lifetime....to repair the bone and leave it.  Verses removal, which she would still be able to play but it could cause other issues in her foot.

I hope that is clear as mud!  In short, we are confident that tomorrow's procedure will give Natalie the best chance of her foot healing to where it was before the injury.  A lifetime with  a healthy foot.

Again ....I ask for your Prayers for Natalie, Dr. Anderson and his staff!  Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Send Her a Card

Good Morning from a soggy Georgia!  Just a lil update before we hit the road.  Today, we leave for Charlotte, NC in preparation of Natalie's doctor appointment.  She will see the doc at 11:00 a.m.  If he concurs with Dr. Reed's evaluation that surgery is needed, it will be done on Wednesday.  Which of course is what we believe is going to happen.

Our gal is filled with mixed emotions.  The hardest pill to swallow being .....for the second year in a row she will not play in the US Open.  She had a good chance of playing in both mixed dubs and ladies dubs this year.  And of course, facing the fact that this injury has the potential of being a career ender.  Which of course, we are farrrrrr from knowing that....months away.

After many conversations, and discussions on possible paths in the future we have decided to let God lead us.  Focus on her foot, rehab and healing and let the future work its way out.  For, many of the paths may not be possible if this foot surgery doesn't work.

As for rehab, we have many different ideas as to what to do.  There is an awesome PT in Columbus and of course UT would be a possibility.  Guess we will have to see what the surgeon wants Natalie to do and then we will decided where PT will take place.

If you have a moment and would like to help keep Natalie's spirits high and positive.  Please send her a card or if you love to make artwork....something homemade.  Either to our home address if you have it, or to this address:

Pluskota
P.O. Box 584
Tyrone, GA 30290

Thanks so much for your continued support of Natalie and the entire Pluskota Clan!  Love and Blessings Sherry!

Video of Everything

Not sure why this blog didn't get uploaded at the time.....buttttttt....here it is:



The trip to Vancouver and Portland is coming to an end.  Sherry is heading toward San Francisco today, while Natalie and I fly out tomorrow.

Creating memories along the way, here is a video of our trip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO7DpxrMn6U&feature=youtu.be

Till next time...

Loree

Purses

Made it home around 10 p.m. last night.  Hungry and exhausted!  Slept in late today, so feeling pretty good.  Natalie, Loree and I have been working on all the loose ends.  Paperwork, boxing things to ship,  notecards, etc.  And of course the more we do, the more we need that needs to be done.  AAAhhhh the loose ends!

Along the way, many have asked questions about  professional tennis and prize money.  Thought I would share some info.  First, please be reminded that the prize money for a tourney is a "purse", to be shared by many.  For instance, at a 10K tourney the purse is split up as shown below:

Singles:

Winner:   $1,568
Finalist:    $980
Semi Finalist:  $490
Quarter Finalist:    $245
Rd of 16:   $196
Rd of 32:   $98

Doubles:
Keep in mind this payout is per doubles team, dollar amount to be shared.

Winner:  $637
Finalist:  $343
Semi Finalist: $196
Quarter Finalist:  $98
Rd of 16:  $49

Since the US Open is right around the corner, thought we would share the breakdown of the "purse".  So, here it is:

Midnight Plane to Georgia!

First....CONGRATS to my son and Nat's brother....Ed!  He landed a full time teaching and coaching job at a high school.  He will be at McIntosh High School in Peachtree City, Georgia.  Besides being the ISS teacher he will coach varsity football, baseball and wrestling.  Hopefully, next year they will have an opening for a Health/PE teacher for him.  But hey, his foot is in the door.  We could not be more proud of him and the man he has become!  Way to go Ed!

After spending time in Portland with Jan, Stephanie, Chris, Kat, Whitney and others we headed to our respective airports.  I headed toward San Fran via Reno and Tahoe, since I had time to kill and a free place to stay.  Jan was kind enough to get Loree to the airport at 3:15 a.m. then Natalie at 10:00 a.m.  Lo going to Cincy, where a friend's in laws picked her up and drove her to the Dayton airport to pick up my car.  Natalie flew to Atlanta with a stop in Salt Lake and Phoenix.  Long days of travel for both of them.

I however, enjoyed a lil peace after the storm in Reno/Tahoe.  Must say although very pretty area, not sure if I would ever go back there.  Headed to the San Fran airport yesterday and arrived around 3 p.m. Hoping to "stand by" on an earlier flight.  And of course since they are getting rid of Air Tran routes there was not an earlier flight and I had to wait for my midnight plane to Georgia.  Couple of hours prior to departure we were told we would have a twenty minute delay.  Then five minutes before boarding we were told the play was grounded due to maintenance and it COULD be an hour or two or more.   After close to two hours, the crew exited the plane, we all knew that was the kiss of death.  Took another hour before we were told the flight was indeed cancelled.  Southwest/Air Tran should be ashamed of how the DID NOT take care of us.  No hotel rooms, just sleep in the concourse.  Took two-three hours to get new flights for all.  Only two employees trying to take care of entire plane of paperwork.  Ridiculous!

I was booked on the non stop at 12:15 p.m.  Tried to get on two earlier flights but they and all other flights were over sold and needed volunteers.  What a mess!  Our 12:15 flight was delayed due to weather in Atlanta.  Sooooo I'm currently sitting on the plane ....blogging!  We have a lil less then two hours to go.  Being on less then two hours of sleep, is not making for a positive attitude.  Soooo my suggestion for the next 36 hours.....don't poke the bear....she ain't happy.

After contacting the former US Olympic Men's Bball Athlete Trainer, Gary and Natalie's hip surgeon, Dr. Byrd.  We came up with a recommendation for a surgeon for Nat's foot.  We will travel...UGH....not sure bout that word....yes ....travel to Charlotte.  She will see Dr. Anderson, foot specialist to the NFL players.  We will see him on the 12th and if he concurs bout surgery, it will be done the next day.  Please pray for Natalie....thank you!

Loree will be with us until the next Friday.  Sure and gunna miss her and her extra set of helping hands.  She has been a big help and I hope she has and is learning much.  We appreciate her and her grant helping Natalie's dream come true.  And I know Nat has sooooo enjoyed having a trustworthy friend on the road with her!

Off to nod the head, hopefully!  Love and Blessing....Sherry!

Nike and Cheese

For a more positive twist to this trip Sherry and Natalie took Jan and I to the Nike Headquarters yesterday, and our G-Unit Gal had the pleasure of walking around in a boot.  Even though we didn't get to shop at the store, the Nike campus is unbelievable.

G Unit!

Her and her boot are becoming best friends!

As for today, we started off with a visit to the Columbia Employee Store, where we enjoyed some discounted shopping.  Stephanie works for Columbia so she took us in for all the great discounts!  Then we ventured to Tillamook Cheese Factory to sample and observe the factory where they make and package cheese.  Our favorite sample was the Sharp Cheddar!!

Natalie and took a ride in the Tillamook Loaf Van!

 We are showing off our 'CHEESE'!

Say "cheese" Loree....

According to Jan the factory is always working, but of course knowing our luck the employees were on lunch break when we arrived.  

After visiting Tillamook, we took a scenic drive up the coast where we could enjoy the Pacific.  We even stopped at Mo's for some shrimp cocktail and clam chowder.  As we were driving up the coast Sherry wanted to take pictures and as she got out the car she found wild blackberries and picked them.  SO TASTY! 

We owe a big thanks to Jan for letting us stay with her and for driving us around all day!  She has been such a sweet heart and we have had fun getting to know each other and catching up. 

Today was a great relaxing day that we all enjoyed!  Lastly, BIG shout out to my dad, Gary, for finally fingering out the blog and becoming our newest member!  Thanks Dad, welcome to Team Pluskota!

Till next time...

Loree

Sesamoid aka THE Broken Bone

Sorry for the delay in updating you on the condition of Natalie's foot.  However, after I explain what is going on, I think you will understand.  For she just needed a lil privacy and time to deal with the bad news.

After switching shoes a little over a week ago, our gal's foot started to bother her.  She thought it was just tightness for it loosened up once she warmed up.  Mid match of her singles in Vancouver, she broke a bone.  Upon late arrival on Sunday, I made plans to drive Natalie to Seattle for an X-ray.  Why Seattle you ask....well our insurance would not cover anything in Canada.  On Tuesday, we headed to see orthopedist Dr. Mark Reed.  An Auburn man but we didn't hold that against him.  After hearing our story, Dr Reed, his staff and especially Tracey Ayers, took great care of us.  Not only did we get squeezed into the schedule but they made sure Nat got an X-ray, MRI and all the results.  Here is Natalie with Dr. Reed looking at the results:

Unfortunately, Natalie has broken one of the two sesamoid bones.  These bones is only the size of a lima bean, but it is a very important bone for a tennis player.  It is use in the "pushing off" and/or "explosiveness" of a player.  Unfortunately, this tiny rascal isn't in an area of the foot that gets a good blood flow therefore it either never heals, takes forever to heal or has to be removed.  Because Nat's break is severe, she will need surgery to fuse the bone it hopes of repairing it.

The recovery will entail, four weeks without weight bearing.  Followed by four weeks in a boot.  Followed by rehab.  All during major PRAYING for this lil bitty bone to heal so that it does not become a pro tennis career ender.

By now you totally understand why there has been a delay in blogging on the topic.  We have shed many tears starting in the parking garage at Dr. Reed's office and since.  For Natalie had to rush to call people before we went back over the Canadian boarder and lost phone signal.  First, her brothers and coach, well that proved to be to hard of a task for her, so I spoke to them and broke the bad news.  Then her dubs partner in Vancouver, who was very sweet enough to continue to stick by Nat's side and not get a new partner when Natalie got hurt.  Unfortunately, it wasn't a simple injury that she could play with as thought by the tourney trainers.  Then our gal had to contact Ricky her mixed dubs partner, was planning to go to New Haven with us in a week so that he and Nat could win a wild card into the US Open.  Then a call to Sanaz who she was going to team up with for regular doubles for the US Open.

Unfortunately, Natalie felt horrible about disappointing these doubles partners and was an emotional mess through all of the phone calls.  All this going on while I'm trying to drive us back to Vancouver.  Yea, sometimes this life of a tennis pro and manager isn't that glamorous after all eh?

Since, Tuesday we have been networking to find the number one doctor in American to perform the fusing on Natalie's foot.  Hopefully, we will have that figured out today and get the ball rolling on this 4-6 months of injury recovery.  Please continue for strength and healing for Natalie for it has been a rough week.  THANK YOU!

Today, we are in Portland with our dear friend Jan.  Going to have lunch with an old tennis buddy, Kaitlyn Burn (spelling?), visit with Bryan (a dad of one of Nat's friends) and a BBQ with Stephanie, Chris and family.  So a very busy and and exciting day ahead.

Well, my friends.....the lil yellow ball will remain in the can until another day....until then we will continue to blog our updates and progress......Love and Blessings....Sherry!