Some of the toughest times of my life were the times I grew up. In any case I will go back and live those days again but I would not trade who I am today because of these difficult times. I am a better person today because I grew through these difficult times.
I have gained a lot of tennis over the years. A few years ago, I suffered a major injury to my right shoulder in a double match. I tore the shoulder capsule and dislocated my shoulder in my directionback.
I had surgery and I remember that my father said later that the operation may not have been successful. There was more damage than originally anticipated. I spent the next three weeks with my shoulder practically immobile. I then went about five months of physical therapy. The goal was to keep the shoulder strong and back to me as much freedom as possible.
All during that time I was inside a dream. I wanted to play tennis. I wanted to play in the GTEIndy Open, the tournament was a Semi-Pro. I had never played in a semi-pro tournament before. But I believed I could do it. I thought I could overcome this injury and play better than I ever played before.
After several months of hard work, I got back on the court, and finally in a tournament. The first tournaments were rough. My shoulder could handle only so much stress and then I would begin to serve underhanded in order to protect my shoulder. Do you know how hard it is to winMatch an underhand serve? But I stopped him and my hard work and faith paid off.
Eight months after the operation I went to a very special tennis court. It was a court hosting the GTE Indy Open. I was there! I have it! I'm just the first round in singles, but I was there. The dream was accomplished. The icing on the cake was the collaboration with my good friend Arnel Gallanosa for the doubles competition. We reached the quarter-finals, where we are number one seeded team playing in the tournament.We lost on that day but what an experience it. Not bad for a baby lying on an operating table, only eight months earlier.
The lessons I learned, faith and perseverance made all the pain I went through all worthwhile (not fun, but worth it). When hard times come Hang Tough and discover, to learn what you can, because this is an opportunity in disguise.
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