State Tennis

June 4, 2023
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Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
From across the State, one by one, gladiators of stamina and skill converge on sacred ground.  Each brings a cadre of fans to cheer them on in the heat of battle.  Coaches and mentors there to choreograph every precise move.
 
A moment of silence as the revered National Anthem is played.  Helmets with visors to their side.  Hand over heart did these men about to do battle stand.  Nary did the flag wave, on a hot still, May day.
 
Some have come for the first time, others their last.  Excitement builds as the gladiator names are matched and role is called.  Weapon in hand, each one reports to their assigned battlefield.  Anxiety builds as each analyzes the other, their strengths, their vulnerabilities.
 
The fans sit to observe in silence during battle.  Mesmerized by what unfolds.  A battle begins, and the fans rise and cheer for their gladiator to shine.
 
The gladiator about whom I write, is our grandson, Micah.  Twenty-four high school tennis players from across the great State of Iowa gathered for the annual Iowa Singles Tennis Championship.  How very proud of him Grandma and Grandpa are to witness his progress over the years, to become the skilled player into which he has developed.
 
As these tennis matches unfold, some lose and go home on day one.  All that first day, our heads were on a swivel as we watched Micah and his opponents hammer that tennis ball back and forth.  Micah was victorious and was blessed to advance to day two, a day for the elite tennis players of Iowa.  When the day was done, our gladiator, Micah stood tall in seventh place.
 
Once in a while, Grandparents are allowed to brag a little bit---right?
 
Way to go, Micah!
Love you, Grandpa & Grandma
 
 
©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved