Spokane or Bust

Good Morning from a beautifully chilly Georgia!

Don't pass out, but I'm about to blog for the second time this week.  Not only did I need to step away for a bit. But, Google made changes, which led to me not being able to access our blog.  They got it straight, well except for the picture download part.  So, for now I can't post pictures.  I've spent many hours trying to do so, just not working.....sorry.

A Nana update....she is doing fine these days.  She just celebrated her 92nd birthday!  Amazing indeed.  Although we lose a lil more of her everyday, we are thankful for our time.  She spends most of her day watching tv and being in la la land....she is happy.   Hard to watch, but thank goodness she doesn't realize what is going on with her mental state.....a plus side.

Because of Nat's commitment to her summer job, we decided it would be best if I flew to Spokane to apartment hunt.  So, July 17th, I did just that.  In two days, I looked at 35 apartments/complexes.  Yes.....35!  You see, on the first day I looked at 15, finding only 2 that were suitable.  I panicked, and spent that night planning the next day.  It was crazy, but I did it!  I was able to find a place, but could only see a two bedroom because there weren't any vacant one bedrooms.  The managers Bob and Midge told me they would have on available September 1st.  Perfect!

The goal in mid August was to help our gal buy her first new car.  Mission accomplished, on August 19th, I picked up her 2016 Ford Edge from Mike Fitzpatrick Ford.  Many thanks to Mike and his staff for working with us and our craziness.  You know, having to work with me and of course long distance with Natalie.

You may be asking, why buy the car in Georgia?  How is it getting to Spokane?  Well, let me tell ya.....

On August 21st, I loaded Natalie's new car with some of her belongings.  The Princess Peach and I headed west.  I decided to take 16 days to get to Spokane, to take in the sites.  I made it to Metropolis, the home of Superman, on the first night.  Then to Kanas City for the second and third night.  Onto Council Bluff, IA for the fourth night.  Spent the next two days at Mount Rushmore.  Then a day in Bozeman, MT and the Grizzly Encounter.  Then a day hike at Big Sky, before reaching Yellowstone.  Where I spent five glorious days filming the animals and nature.  (Hopefully, I'll be able to post pics at some point).  I went onto the Grand Tetons for a few days then to Spokane.

Yessssss....a trip of a lifetime.  I was able to film bison, moose, deer, bears, bear cubs, coyotes, an owl.  I took a chuck wagon dinner tour and a photography safari.  Both well fantastic, I highly recommend.  Boy, I hope to post pics and share my view via my lens.

I arrived in Spokane on Labor Day.  Natalie flew in from the Hamptons the next day.  And started work the following day.  The great news....we both made it safe and sound......the bad news....the apartment wasn't going to be ready till the following week.  So, we unloaded the car into the hotel room so that we could begin to shop for her apartment.  For she needed everything....a bed, towels, bedding, EVERYTHING for a kitchen, sofa, table and chairs, dresser, etc. 

Everyday, we hit the ground running.  Nat would go to work and then we would shop and off load to the hotel room.  We ordered the mattress set and bed and couple of hours after her arrival.  Then I would ride with her and while she was at HR doing paperwork I would go to Goodwill and send her pics for approval.  We were able to get glassware and dishes, etc. at Goodwill.  Our theory was to get things second hand that she could donate back once she decides to move elsewhere.  Buying new the things she would be willing to haul to the next city.  Although exhausted, we continued that pattern every day.  We giggled often at the sight of our hotel room and wondered what the maid thought.  Lol!  I mean we had dog cages, coffee tables, bed in a bag, TV, lamps, dishes, glassware, etc.  lol!

Then finally her apartment was available for a walk through and our first visit.  She....we....loved it...soooo lucky to have a great place with great management.  It's like she has apartment parents.  Wewwwww....things we falling into place.

We got the keys and started to empty the hotel room.  I would stay at the apartment and wait for deliveries, Nat went to work.  Happy to say the bed arrived as promised and we were on our way to furnishing the rest.  By the time I left on September 16th, she was only waiting on her table and chairs, UT wall hanging and throw  pillows.  We were able to hang most of her pictures and curtains.  She was set and could fill in the rest as she goes.  I however.....spent.....exhausted.....all the while being very excited for Natalie.  I mean new job, new city, new apartment and new car......awesome indeed!

Ok, there you have it....what happened this summer.  And how Natalie, her new car and stuff go to Spokane.  Love and Blessings....Sherry!

I'm Bbbaaaacccckkkkkkkk!

Hello Folks.....

Hope all is well with you and your families! Especially those dealing with this recent storm.  Please let us know if you need anything and I mean anything!

Over the next few weeks, I'm gunna try to get you up to speed on what has been going on with our girl and family.  Truth being told, I had to step back and get the emotions out of my writings.  So that, I may try to explain what was the end of Nat's pro career.  Those emotions being fueled by outside influences who "thought" they knew what was going on and continued to comment negatively or even positively.  Unfortunately, some jumping to unfair conclusions which added distress to an already stressful situation.

Because tennis is an individual sport, the mental game on and off the court is huge.  Therefore, when a player is recovering from a devastating injury, they need support in many ways that are different then the "regular"  person.  Especially when that injury occurs a few weeks before a major, like the US Open.  Because injury steals an athlete's confidence as to what their body will or will not do on the court.  The athlete and those that support her, must help to ensure that the lack of confidence doesn't creep into other aspects of their game and life.  Again, because tennis is  a sport that is 80%+++ bout the mental disposition.

Someone who blindly tries to support an elite athlete, can do more harm then they will every know.  Let me give some examples....when Natalie is out on the road and a friend continues to text, how they miss her and need her to come home.  I'm sure you are thinking wow really Sherry....but YES!  When a player's confidence is low, it doesn't take much for them to want the "comforts" of home.  That friend may have the best of intentions, but the texting distractions feeds the negativity of being on the road.   I mean if you are struggling with your health, being away from home, lack confidence, wanting a home cooked meal, wouldn't you like to go home and snuggle with soup and your blankie?

Blindly supporting a player is not helping a player.  Unfortunately, those that do it, have the best of intentions but have no clue as to what it take to be a pro tennis player.  Most of the time, those that blindly support say things like, "hey, just don't do it anymore".  Unfortunately, that is not addressing what is going on with that top level player.  That player has spent a lifetime to get to this point, to dismiss that dedication reflects the lack of knowledge one has about the person they blindly support.

Instead, I offer a couple of suggestions!

-Ask the athlete what they need to get back to the sport they love
-Don't ever support the easy way out, quitting
-Help remind the athlete that all top level athletes have setbacks and injuries
-Or stay completely out of it, take the athlete out for some fun and don't bring up their sport
-Try not to make the athlete feel like they are missing out cuz they chose their job...their sport
-Don't blindly support....better to say nothing then to comment on something you are not an expert at

Now, I climb off my soap box to talk about Natalie.  Two years ago July, Nat broke her foot during a singles match in Canada.  Being the crazy athlete that she is, she finished the match on that foot.  Yes, she has a very high tolerance of pain, crazy high.  Anyway..... By the time I arrived in Canada, Nat was on crutches.  We had to find a Doc,  in the USA and in Seattle.  Within a day, we were in Seattle.  Getting the heartbreaking news of the type of injury and lack of docs to repair it.  Secondly, the reality that the US Open was 3 weeks away, she had a chance to play it for the first time....a dream!  Needless to say, Natalie was an emotional wreck in the parking lot.

We spent the next couple hours driving back to Vancouver.  During which time, Nat began to call the players she had lined up for doubles and mixed double for the Open, and her coach, family.  It was an absolutely horrible couple of hours in that car!  Of course, those on the other end of the receiver were awesome, sweet and very supportive.  Supportive because they understood the complete realm of the situation.

If I could turn back time, I would go back to that drive in the car.  When we were frantically making calls before losing phone service going into Canada.  You are probably wondering why I would want to go back to a horrible afternoon.  Because hind sight is 20/20....one of my first calls should have been to a sports physiologist!  The mental devastation of that day and injury was more then one would have ever guessed.  To discontinue a sport you gave a lifetime to due to fear, a travesty.

Fear of injury, fear of being hugely disappointed, a fear that you spend a year or more to "get it back" only to fail, a fear your "clock" is running, a fear you are too old.....once fear creeps in....that confidence thing plummets more......again ....wouldn't you like to go home and snuggle with your soup and blankie?

Now, don't get me wrong....not all of those examples applied to Nat....trying to make a point.  When you blindly support a top athlete you MAY be doing more harm then good.  Although your intentions may be very noble....stay out of the sports side unless you are directly involved in that sport.  For there is more to it then meets the eye.

I'm going to jump to the present for a moment.  Natalie's choice to stop playing professional tennis was not an easy one.  She was struggling with it prior to her injury.  Her degree choice and long term plans have always been to coach Division I tennis.  So, she landed a job to do just that!  Nat is very excited to announce that she is the new Assistant Ladies Tennis Coach at Gonzaga!   She has a great boss, new apartment, new car, and new job....one very lucky and Blessed young lady!

Ok. I think this blog long enough ...a great start to getting you up to speed.  Boy, do I have some stories for you!  Love and Blessings......Sherry!

Blog Issue

There seems to be a technical issue with our blog via Google.  I'm trying to upload this message via my phone to see if it will post!  

Save The Lady Vol Logo!

Morning Peeps!  After a much needed weekend with girlfriends.  Natalie returned from Portland at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.  Slept a few hours then headed to Nashville.  

Why Nashville?  To help "Save the Lady Vol Logo", of course.  Today, she will Lobby ....along side other former Lady Vols and supporters.  

The group will spend the day at Tennessee's Capital to rally support for a new law.  The law will mandate that the Lady Vols be titled such ...forever.  

Here's what our gal looks like this morning in preparation to tackle the Capital:

Here's hoping you are enjoying your spring as much as I am ours!  Love and Blessings.... Sherry!

Don't Forget To Vote.....

 Yes, I've been quiet for a reason, as a matter of fact ....many reasons!

But for today ....

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE....

The Fire Is Out.....

 Here is the post Natalie made to Face Book this morning....

First I want to take a few minutes to thank everyone who has been by me through so many ups and down, victories, failures, challenges, highs, lows, opportunities, championships, recruiting, surgeries and rehab. Thank you to every single person who has been there for me on my quest for greatness. Thank you to my housing moms/dads/sisters/brothers for creating such amazing atmospheres for me to be a part of. You guys are many of the reasons why the tour is fun and exciting. The people always make the places. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.

I also want to thank my mom, dad, Nic, Ed, and Clementine (the most solid and greatest team anyone could ask for, let alone call mine) for always being there for me. Thank you for pushing me to become the best that I could be. Thank you for pushing me when I needed it most. Thank you for providing the opportunities to glorify God through my talent on the tennis court. Thank you for humbling me everyday and reminding me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I'm forever grateful for all that each one of you have done for me the last 22 years of my tennis career. I couldn't have done it without you guys. Thank you for giving me the best 22 years of support while playing this game.

I also want to thank every coach and trainer who has taught, instructed, challenged, and motivated me through the years. Thank you for taking the time to make me better and into the player I am today. Thank you Beth for believing in me even when I was a mere 40 pounds. You truly were an inspiration and monumental at instilling fire and passion into the game for me. From the depths of my heart, thank you.

To the Vol Nation.. The best four years of my tennis career was when I was at Tennessee. I want to thank everyone there who fueled the fire to compete with such passion and love. Thank you for all those who came to our matches and for creating an unbelievable atmosphere and energy, unlike any I have ever experienced. Thank you to the staff who helped me recovery from my injuries and helped me through pivotal moments of rehab. Thank you for always believing in me and challenging me to get better and stronger. Thank you to every team mate I had that pushed me everyday to be better. Thank you for all of the memories and laughs! I'll never forget looking next to me and seeing everyone battling and grinding together, making history. Thank you all. I will always be a Lady Vol for life and bleed orange.

To all of my friends and family, thank you for every bit of support! Without any of you, none of this could have been possible. You guys are the reason I can stand here today and say, I had the opportunity to do something great, impact people around the world, and experience all that I have. Thank you all for taking the ride with me.

With a heavy heart I write this post to announce my retirement from playing tennis. I have been struggling with decision for quite some time but know it's the right move for me moving forward. This game has taught me many things and has exposed me to so much, I'm extremely humbled by all that it has given me and showed me.

Much love to every single person who has walked into my life up until this point.

The closing of one chapter will lead to the opening of another.

Bron Bron

Hey peeps!  Natalie is enjoying her time in Midland.  She did not get into doubles.  Truth be told, she was probably happy!  

Natalie continues to participate with the community outreach programs.  As well as work with the local youth on the courts.  She had great visits to a couple local schools.  Here's a peek:

And here are the "boys"....

Sorry! I don't know the name of the two cuties on the left.  Andrew is on the right and is Nat's house brother.  

This is Bron Bron....who according to Natalie and Diane...he misses me!  Ugh!

Natalie is in Midland thru the weekend! She loves Midland, the tourney and especially the people.  All of which she will soon miss.

Wishing all of you a month of live and blessings....Sherry!

Midland Update

Greetings from Vegas!  I'm here and Natalis is in Midland, Michigan.  The weather is to turn to snow for her by Tuesday.  Being one of her favorite tourneys, she won't mind it.

Natalie was looking forward to seeing the Frickeys including my favorite...Bron Bron the dog.  This moose of a dog scares me to no end, but as Diane is quick to point out...."he loves you Sherry".  Yup, he is always at my side, which for me ...a person VERY afraid of big dogs ...is unnerving.  Let alone I'm very allergic to him.

Annnyyyywayyyy, Natalie is enjoying her time with all of them.  She has been able to work with several groups of kids on the courts.  As well as, take part in a kids questioning session.  That I might add had a stumper of a question, "what's your favorite thing?".  Natalie and Nicole Gibbs were for a loss with that tough one.  Lol!

At this point, Nat is not in the 100k in Midland.  We won't know for sure until 12:01 p.m. tomorrow.  Not looking good.   

Here are a few pics of Natalie and friends....

The ladies, Savannah, Clair, Mia, Salma and Natalie.

Team Pluskota....woot!

Natalie and Nicole

Daytona, Midland

Greetings from Georgia!  Sorry for the delay in blogging, but this week has been eventful and not in a good way!  We returned to GA yesterday, after a three day hiatus in Tampa.  A bit of a regrouping if you will.  More bout that at a later date.

Last weekend, we packed up the car including Natalie's brother Nic and the dog (Princess Peach).  Nic is post op and on sick leave from work, so we convinced him a change of scenery would be good for him.  And Peach, just cuz!

We made our way to Daytona Beach.  Very grateful for the wild card opportunity into the 25K.  Natalie partnered up with Katia Kamendova, a local pro.   Because Natalie's ranking is so low, that was the only hope of getting into the tourney.  We didn't know Katia before this pairing, but knew others that know her.  She is a very sweet young lady, who is loved at her tennis center.

Unfortunately, our team drew a tough first round opponent.  Cako/Loeb, both seasoned tour doubles players.  This would be Katia's first attempt.  Although our team had many chances, our poor serving and ground strokes made it wayyyy tooo easy for the opponents.  Losing 1-6, 3-6.

Here are a few pics from Daytona:

Natalie will head to Midland, Michigan next week.  Hoping for a wild card into doubles of that 100K.  The chances are slim, but she will attempt it.  She loves that tourney and would love to play this year, we shall see.  Last year she made the journey there and helped with the community outreach program.  Natalie's favorite program of all tourney.  She is looking forward to seeing the Frickey family, including  Bron Bron.....the dog!  According to Nat, my favorite host dog.....lol!

Hate that I will miss Midland again this year.  Not only are the people awesome, the tourney is first class.  But I always enjoy the snow, for I love snow....or at least I love visiting snow.  I know they will take great care of Natalie and she will enjoy herself and Midland.  Love and Blessings.....Sherry