In the summer before college, I worked as an assistant tennis pro at a local country club. On Sunday afternoons, this meant filling in during the Senior Men's Doubles League. As a young teenager that loved to hit every ball harder than the one before, learning to play with the necessary control and patience to keep it enjoyable for these men presented a challenge, to say the least. Grant Peacock, one of the oldest men in the league was never afraid to put me in my place.
"Slow it down, young fella. Let the point happen."
"What's the rush? It's a beautiful day, let's stay out here for a while."
Initially, playing this way felt like an odd form of torture. Over time, though, forcing myself to play differently turned me into a calmer, more versatile, and much better player.
On a particularly hot day near the end of the summer, Mr. Peacock sat next to me during a break. He shakily lifted his white paper cup and managed to get most of the water into his mouth. Then, he turned to me without any context and said, “Marc, you’re young and getting ready to go off to college. You’ll probably see some beautiful girl across campus and think that life would be perfect if you could marry her. But, let me tell you something. Forget all about that girl. Instead, find your best friend and marry her. That way, when you’re old and broken like me, you can look across the breakfast table at her, just like I do with my wife, and say, ‘Great Googly Moogly! I still love spending time with you.’ That’s free advice, but it’s also the best you’ll ever get.”
I laughed, thanked him, and we went back to playing. But 32 years later, I remember that conversation like it was yesterday.
When something funny happens, I can’t wait to share it with her. When she talks, I’m excited to hear her insights. When I want to see a movie, I know it will be more fun if she comes. When I need to be brave and try something new, she’s my courage. Even when I want to rewind a point in a tennis match so that I can (try) to explain what happened, she politely listens and pretends to care. When I picture my future, she is always right there with me in my mind. She makes my life better. She is my best friend.
Mr. Peacock, thanks for the tennis advice. You helped me realize that there is more to the game than flashy shots and winners. And you were right, that free advice about who to marry is still the best advice I’ll ever get.
Happy Anniversary, babe! Great Googly Moogly! I still love spending time with you!
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