Tennis Season Is Done and The Payoff

Nick and Ryan

Ryan and Nick finished their tennis season a few weeks ago.  They were happy to be done with daily practice.  I am thrilled they stuck with the sport through the entire season.

There were days when Ryan did not want to go.  "It's hot," or "I don't feel like it." Then there's the classic, "I have homework to do."  However, Ryan did continued to go.  On the other hand, Nick did not voice any complaints, but I bet the heat bothered him occasionally.  We strongly encouraged both of them throughout the season. Even the grandparents helped coach and practiced with them.  It is hard to say, "I'm tired," when a couple of 70+ years are out on the court!

We stressed the commitment and the membership of belonging to a team.  They just couldn't quit.  They understood, and finished they did!

They really enjoyed the sport.  As Ryan said, "I don't have to run all the time.  There's breaks."  Nick wants to join the team next year.  "By then I'll be really good cuz I'm going to practice lots."  Knowing Nick, he'll follow through.

From a mom's point of view, here is the payoff for my kids with autism:  they are receiving texts inviting them to go out and play tennis.  Kids with autism have such a difficult time talking, socializing, etc., and it's so easy for others to NOT invite them.  It saves everyone that uncomfortable, awkward situation of what to say or do.

Out on a tennis court, that situation is removed.  They play tennis.  They talk tennis.  It's a basis for a friendship to grow.  The sport builds camaraderie between teammates, as well as the competition between opponents.  The teammates and opponents can be one and the same too!

My boys are happy as well!  Which makes Momma happy!

Tennis Today: Oh--Schedule Change

Today was suppose to be another tennis match for Ryan and Nick--at their home school.  I dropped off the boys (because I have another boy to get to baseball practice).  As I was leaving, the coach waved for me to stop.  I drove closer to him, and rolled down the window.

"There's been a change," states Coach W.  "Today is an 'away' game. Yeah, the schedule says 'home', but..."

Change.  Sudden change.  Oh what fun for boys with autism.

I thanked the coach for letting me know.  I told him that I'd let the boys know.  So I pulled into a parking space and ran to the boys.

Although the rest of the team members were picking up the tennis balls, racquets, and gear, no one had told Ryan and Nick what was happening.  I told the boys briefly that the location of the game had changed.  I made sure one of them had his cell phone.

Ryan seemed to adapt quite easily.  Nick had a look of apprehension on his face. I told Nick not to worry.  I encouraged them to have fun and do their best.  I also said to stay together and call when they were back at their school.  They were the last to get on the bus, but they seemed at ease.

Another round of plans end in a "surprise".  I am bummed that I'll miss this match.  I'll find out how it all turns out when they get back. :)

O Happy Day!

Ryan about to serve

In the midst of trying to resolve issues, there is a bright light.  AND did we celebrate.

Ryan and Nick played in their first tennis match on their high school tennis team.  Ryan tried cross country, but the endurance was too much.  I bet the desert heat didn't help during the summer either.  Nick did track and field in junior high, but his heart belonged to an event that he didn't get to do.

Mike and I have introduced various sports in the past.  Some were too expensive to continue.  Others just didn't capture the boys' interest.  So why tennis?

Nick returning a serve

My parents have played tennis for as long as I can remember.  I tried playing, but I spent more time running after the balls that went over the fence than playing on any court.  The boys had a few lessons from their grandparents when the boys were very little.  What made it stick this time?  I don't know.  I don't underestimate that the girls' team might have some influence.  The girls and boys' tennis teams practice at the same time.  Hmmm.

What I do know is this is a HUGE milestone for the boys.  Many years ago, the boys had several issues to overcome.  Nick couldn't stand to wear socks, let alone shoes.  As they developed autism, their gait became abnormal.  Walking and running were dangerous.  They lost their balance easily.  Ryan ran with his eyes closed.  I was told this was a sensory issue.

Ryan serving, Nick at the net

I became a soccer mom of therapy.  Days on end of traveling from school to therapies--physical and occupational therapies (among other therapies).  I made sure they had adaptive PE in school.  Years of therapy.  Miles of driving.  With no guarantee of improvement.  Just hope.

Today is hope fulfilled.

Coach W with Nick

Ryan and Nick played in a real sport at school. Their matches were even next to each other on the court. They played in the singles and doubles.  They were actually the doubles team.  The coach guided them at times.  Otherwise, they played.  On their own.

Those years of therapies have paid off.  My boys may have a hobby for life!  Priceless.