Great News.....Have a Boooootiful Day!

Happy Halloween and Happy News to report!

We left for Charlotte by 9:15 a.m. yesterday morning.  We arrived right on time for the 2:20 p.m. appointment.  And were back for an x-ray in no time at all.  Dr. Anderson came in shortly after.  He was happy with the x-ray and the amount of healing the bone graph has done.  The crack in the sesamoid was no long apparent and the new bone growth was very good.  After yanking and moving Natalie's toe....much to her dismay....for it was the first time in 2 1/2 months the toe has been moved....he game us the game plan.  First and foremost, slow and easy.  Alternate between the boot and the shoe.  Second, he released her for complete PT to get that toe moving.  As well as strenghten the entire foot, ankle and leg.  In a couple of weeks, she can stand in one place and hit balls.  No serving, volleying or running for couple of more months.

Must say, toe yanking did our gal in, much pain for the rest of the day.  She did leave the doctor's office in a Tennessee tennis shoe.  Not only did it not feel good, but it was short lived.  Will be a slow progression into the shoe.  But Natalie is very happy to move on with PT and working her way into a shoe full time.

Following hearing the great news, we hurried to the car.  For we were doing everything we could to be ahead of the traffic.  With rush hour approaching and a Panthers game, we were doomed.  But nope....our efforts paid off.  We made it home by 8:00 p.m.  Boy that was a very long day, and reminder why we normally split a trip like that into two days.  

Today, we are getting ready to see the smiling faces of children as they make their way begging for candy.  One of Nana's favorite days, for she loves the kids.  So, let me log off and get this party day going....can't say started cause I've already been to Walmart to grocery shop.  Have a Boooootiful Day!  Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Very Humbling and Flattering

Good Morning!

Natalie continues to struggle with the mental part of making so many big decisions.  All hinging on tomorrow's doctors appointment.  Well, in her eyes anyway.  I guess sitting around sooo much has given her tooo much time to over think things.  Something she has always done, but with all the down time it magnified.  Not a good thing, for she is driving herself nuts.  And of course, with a few nosey people that keep drilling her, magnifies the situation.  It is amazing to me that someone's need to know is more important then what is best for Natalie.....in their eyes.  Not a true friend in my eyes.

And yet, two more job offers to confuse the matters.  Now don't get me wrong, I could not be more proud of Natalie on and off the court.  The fact that soooo many have reached out to her and offered some very awesome jobs is a tribute to the wonderful hard working person that she is.  But the job offers continue to confuse the decision making process and draw the focus from playing on the tour.  I mean to be offered $45K for a four month project is not something to ignore.  Especially when you and your family struggle and sacrifice so much to keep you on tour.

Even though at the beginning of this injury period we discussed focusing on healing.  It is very hard to do so with sooo many reaching out.  A good and bad thing.  The good being.....so many think so highly of Natalie that they offer such wonderful opportunities.  Very humbling and flattering.  The bad being....she can't just relax and heal and focus on a "comeback" to the tour.  A very confusing situation.

Please note....I'm not trying to insult any of the people reaching out to Natalie for they do so with what they think are great intentions.  A testimony to how many she has touched and  influenced in the past.  We are truly thankful for the offers.  Just trying to share "our" side of the situation.

And of course all this mental non sense can all be null and void if we go to the doctor tomorrow and he says tennis playing is a no go.  Which is exactly why we were trying to focus on healing for the last two months.  Unfortunately, outside influences interfered with the process.  Just wish people would stop to think of what is really in Natalie's best interest and not what can they take from her for their best interest.  But I guess, since they aren't going through it they can't understand it....why I write this blog.  So that, maybe....just maybe I can share the story of the journey and shed light on the person involved in the journey.

So, I ask for prayers for Natalie.  Prayers that she is healed and gets great news tomorrow.  And prayers that she finds the answers to her questions soon.  Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Some Tears Today

Hello from a very pleasant day in Georgia!  The day got off to a rough start with Nana taking a fall.  Thank goodness I caught her mid air and was able to gentle sit her on the floor.  Happy to report she has no pain at this point.

Went for an awesome hike at a near by state park.  Was a glorious day and hike.  Does the mind and body good.  Guess God got me prepared for the convo I was to have upon my return home.  Natalie sat me down to let me know that she is going to see what the doc says on Thursday.  But at this point she is not looking at going back on the pro tour.  She is leaning toward one of the many jobs that she has been offered since the injury.  I just hope she is making the right decision for her and not letting all the outside influences get the better of her.  When speaking with her, she is torn and in her words "a little scared".

When the injury happened I explained to her that the decision would come naturally if you let God whisper it in your ear.  But you have to be willing to listen, even if it's a hard thing to do.  She talked bout going to a tournament in Macon to see the players she has been missing.  After being there a short time she said she felt ready to leave and happy not to be on the grind of the road.

Although we shed some tears today, we know that the decision is not made although she is leaning toward going to a resort to teach for the summer.  In her words, the money earned will either give her what she needs to continue on the pro circuit or it will set her up for the "real" working world.  A real shame that a player has to make a decision to work instead of sticking with their passion because no organizations or companies will help them financially.

Nothing harder as a parent then to hear your child leaning toward giving up on a dream.  Although one part of me understands......the other part knows we have yet to see the best of her on the court.  But without the financial help....we may never get a chance to.  That my friends is why the USA doesn't have many players on the pro circuit.....no financial help.....plain and simple!

I hope and pray that God continues to whisper in Natalie's ear, so that she can be very happy with her decisions.  And I pray for strength!  Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Freeroll

Viva Las Vegas!  Sending you good vibes from Vegas!  The last week or so has been a lil crazy and all over the place emotionally.  Nana's mental state is taking a new turn, which of course is not a good thing.  With me in Vegas, Natalie is on Nana duty.  Nat found her in the kitchen, had empty the contents of the refrigerator.  She had a pair of scissors in hand and had eaten 10 cheese sticks and was working on number 11.  The brain is clearing mis firing to a different level.  We continue to brace ourselves for the future.

Vegas?  Yup, I'm here!  Had a free airline ticket that had to be used by end of October, and free hotel.  Soooooo here I am!  Been able to see the Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffet and Donny & Marie thus far.  My favorite being ZZB.  However, I get to see Brittney Spears tonight, so looking forward to that.

Upon my arrival on Thursday, I began to play poker.  Normally, I play low dollar amount tourneys, in this case $30.  Which allows me to play for anywhere between 2-6 hours.  Having grown up in Chicago, I spent many hours playing cards in the winter.  Sooooo I LOVE to play cards.  Well, this trip I decided I was going to try "live action" poker.  Which basically means you "buy in" for a certain dollar amount and that is the amount of "real" money you stand to lose.  It has taken me two years to convince myself to risk $100 to try live action.

I played on Thursday for 4 1/2 hours, walking away with $150 extra.  I was excited!  Found out that if I played 10 prior to 7 a.m. on Saturday morning I could qualify to play a "freeroll tourney".  What is that you ask.....any regular/local customer that qualifies plays tourney at Saturday for a chance to be one of the top 10 finishers, all of which win $300.

If you know me, I'm a bit competitive.  So, on Friday morning I showed up to the poker room at 10 a.m. in hopes of playing so that I could earn more hours.  Unfortunately, no one was there to play.  Since it was my birthday, I decided to have my hair done at 3:30.  After which, I returned to the poker room to earn hours.  Played until 7:05 p.m., then jumped in a taxi to go see ZBB at the MGM.  Following the AWESOME concert....pics to come.....I went back to the poker room.  After all, 7 a.m. Saturday morning was fast approaching.

Upon my return, I was told I still needed 4 1/2 hours of play.  No way, forget it.  Instead I met cousin Dennis (from Texas).  He and I played roulette for a short while, didn't do any good so decided we would play ....yes....you guess it....poker.  To make a long story short....we had a drunk at our table which upset Dennis who went back to his room.  I however, stayed and you guessed it....earned my hours.   By the time Dennis left I only need 2 hours to qualified.  So, finished that up at 6 a.m., went to breakfast, showered changed and was back to the poker room for the tourney by 8:15.

All I could think, is why....oooo why did I do this to myself??  And....where the HELL is the coffee....bring the pots....line em up.  I mean, what good is qualifying if you are so exhausted that you can't think clearly enough to play good poker??   The great news....only 23 people qualified to play.....sooo I only had to play and hour or two.  I think I can....I think I can......

Because the freeroll tourney is designed to give back to the "regulars".....every player that finishes in the top 10 gets $300.  So, only need to play long enough to take out 13 people.  Here's what happened.....

There were 11 players left....including ME....WOOT!  However, I only had one.....yes one ....$1,000 chip left....not good.  I was the one with the least chips, another guy had $2,000.  So, one of us would pop the bubble to the top 10.  The bit boss called for a ten minute break.

During a few hands, I notice the local guy next to me was giving signals to two guys across the table.  Which I read and used to my advantage, I hate cheaters.  During the break, four of the five men sitting at my table were scheming as to how to take me out.  I was very easy to figure out that they were.  I even mentioned it and the head nods to the dealer, who said he would pay attention to their convo, for if they were....it is considered cheating.  A lil part of me, giggled that I had their respected and worried them.

Bout one minute after speaking to the dealer, I turned to see the lil cheating twit next to me over at the other table.  He was whispering in the ear of the other player that was low on chips.  Now, he was definitely cheating.  I was sitting next to my dealer, and I pointed it out to him.  Upon the return to the table.  the lil twit turned to me and said something to the effect.  "Hey, I told that guy he should just fold.  Since you both are short stacked if he folds his blinds you will be even".   My response,  "dude you can't do that, that is cheating and we are not in the same position. I'm on the button he is small blinds".

Thank goodness, the dealer heard it all and was furious.  He set him straight.  I was ticked, now there are five players working together against me.   I took a deep breath and was ready to take them on!

I had five hands to chose from to play.  None of which were good.  Soooo here we go.  I was big blind, which means I had no choice but to put my one and only chip in the pot and play the hand.  Of course, all the cheater went into the hand, in hopes that one on them could beat my hand.  Up to that point, the four of them were NEVER in one hand together.  Soooo obvious that they were cheating!

I took a deep breath, and leaned to the dealer and said "it's in God's hands".  It was time for me to look at my two cards.  OMG....8 and 3......HORRIBLE  CARDS!  Until that is.....the flop......8,8,9.   WOOOOO HOOOOO  I hit three of a kind on the flop.  I had to control my reaction, but I wanted to scream.  The turn was a jack.  Then the river was ......HELL.....YES......another 8!!!   QUADS!   I was soooo excited but had to sit quietly until the cheaters "checked" through their bets.  Then....the lil twit turned his cards over to show a pair, two others hit a full house.  At which time they were all laughing and giggling thinking that one of the three (fourth had nothing) had taken me out!  I sat quietly, then stood and turned my cards over yelling....."WELL....I GOT QUADS"!     <<<insert laughing>>>   Just wish I had their reactions on film.....priceless to say the least!    ahahahahahahahah

Talk about a crazy turn of events, but happy to say honesty won that day....not the cheaters.  Also, happy to say that I finished in the top ten and won $300.  WoooT!  Then I went to my hotel room and crashed!

Natalie has been working hard on her fitness and limited PT.  She will return to the doctor for a post op visit and hopefully full release to PT and regular shoe on October 30th.  Nat took a drive to Macon to  the tourney there.  Besides dropping off a salsa order, she was able to spend time with some of the players and staff she is friends with.  Not sure how she did it, but she somehow talked Nic into driving her and Robby to Macon.  Again, she is soooo lucky to have two awesome brothers.

Time for me to shower, breakfast and get ready for the Brittney Spears concert.  So, until next time...Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

A Lil Reminder to Everyone

Good Day from a gloomy Georgia!  A lil cooler today and the humidity has gone done, a good thing!

Been enjoying some company this weekend.  A friend of Natalie's ....Robbie is stationed at Fort Benning, and is visiting us this weekend.  Been nice getting to know him and what he does to keep us all safe.  He seems to be "fitting in" around here just fine.  Anyone that can put up with our harassment and craziness is okay in my book.

And lil Ed's best friend from high school Cory, was with us Friday night for the game.  He will be here today too.  He,  his brother Chris and their parents, will always have a special spot in my heart.  Unfortunately, we lost his mom Jen a couple of years ago.  But Cory and Chris continue to make her proud everyday.

Natalie has been doing well with her rehab and physical fitness training.  With Sarge Robbie here this weekend....there seems to be a certain sense of competition as it pertains to fitness training.  A good thing, everyone pushing to reach new heights.  However, the manly hormones are present amongst the men.....tickles mine and Natalie's funny bones.

Well, things to do as they say but before I go....here's a lil reminder to everyone:

Bad News and Good News

Good Morning from a chilly yet sunny Georgia.  Been a lil crazy around here, a bit of a world wind.  We have had all kind of bad news and good news.  First, we lost Cole last week and said our good byes on Friday at his viewing.  Which was...and I'm sure the service on Saturday as well....was a wonderful tribute to how many lives were touched by this young man.  Although is loving family and friends selfishly want him here with us, he is in a much better place.  And breathing freely for the first time.

Our friend Kristen lost her dad last week as did our friend Kari.  Another friend got some not so good news about testing the docs have been running.  Please pray for all of them.

 <<<insert good news here>>>>

Natalie, Robby and I were able to attend Edward's football game on Friday night.  Was special because his team (McIntosh) was playing against his alma mater (Northgate)  Which of course is where Natalie and Nic attend also.  Ed's team came out strong and was winning for most of the game, and then.....well....we won't go there AGAIN....let's just say they lost.

Waking up at 4 a.m. on Saturday morning allowed us to leave by 5.  We hit the road to Knoxville, to see the ladies tennis team practice that morning and go to the football game.  It was the checkerboard game vs. Florida.  Wow what a game and fun time....here's the video highlights of our trip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK205oRmPoE&feature=youtu.be

We left Knoxville early Sunday morning cuz Edward had football meetings that afternoon.  Got home, unpacked, repacked and headed to Florida by 3 p.m.  Yes.....crazy...I know!  Nic, his dad and I headed south to go get Nic's new jeep.  After spending well over a month, we finally found THE ONE!  When you see the pic below you will understand why we had to travel south of Daytona to get it, not many of them around.

Signed the papers on Monday, a trip to the beach for pictures and we headed north for home.  Yes, this is my life!  But I wouldn't trade it, Nic was sooooo excited to get his jeep.  Was fun to be around to see it and enjoy the ride home in it.

More good news, Jessica and Jeff had their first baby while we were gone.  These two new parents having been waiting a long time for a bundle of joy.  And they got one, Caleb was born Sunday evening, he is perfection!

Even more good news, Natalie's foot is feeling alot better since starting the band workouts.  Her PT guy....Tab was glad with her progress in strength.  She celebrated the news by joining some friends for an Atlanta Hawks game last night.  Our Daaa Darling sat first row court side.  She was right next to the bench with a private waiter.  Must be nice, eh??  ooooo and let's not forget a private TV screen to watch as well.  Anyway, it was a very special invitation which she made the most of, enjoying friends, food, drinks and of course a free t-shirt.  Talk about spoiled!

Today, she and her brother are already out cruising in the jeep.  She has talked him into driving her to her workout in Atlanta this afternoon.  She is soooo lucky to have two great brothers!

As for me, I hope I don't see the inside of a vehicle till at least Thursday!  But the panic has set in that I will be leaving for Vegas in 9 days.  Yikes!  I need to get planning my suitcase load.  I will be celebrating my birthday while there.  Will see Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffet, Donny & Marie and Brittney Spears.  Hoping to get some great hiking in at Red Rocks or the Old Train Tracks path at Hoover.  Some cousins will be there from Texas and some friends that live there will help take up some of my 10 days there as well.  10 DAYS....yes 10....was going to go for a week but after thinking about it, if I fly home on Sunday I have a higher chance to get "bumped" and earn another free ticket.  Sooooo since I'm going on this trip due to a free ticket and free hotel stays.....I will try for another free ticket.  One I can use once Natalie gets back on the court and we begin to travel again.

Well, let me get to planning!  Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Teaching and Fun Began

Happy Hump Day Folks!

Yesterday, we headed south to Manchester, Georgia.  A little town near Columbus, Georgia that has been affected by the economy and loss of industry.  Something the town's people are hopeful will change once a new "connector" road is built.  We pray it for them!  It is a lovely area and town.

Thanks to Gary Hazelrig, Natalie was scheduled to see Tab for her first PT session.  What a nice guy, full of a wealth of great PT info for Natalie.  Although she still can't do weight bearing exercises, Nat was excited to learn her new bands workout.  She can start to ride the stationary bike as well, using her heel.  Another mile stone, working on endurance.  Due to being limited, Natalie will only go to see Tab once a week for next month, but will do PT at home every day.

The teaching and fun began, thanks Tab!  Now get to humpin peeps!  Love and Blessings....Sherry!