Berry Elementary my daughters school had a field trip to the Pumpkin patch on Oct 24.  Diane, my daughter’s mom, informed me the day of the trip, so I told her I was going to attend.  She stated that I might not be able to attend because I didn’t sign up for the trip.  She said she would call the school and check, and after calling the school, she stated that they said I couldn’t  attend because I didn’t sign up in advance.  I was denied the opportunity  to go with my family by Berry Elementary School.  True fully speaking, I was going to feel a void, because I hadn’t made it my priority to be dependable attending these events.  

In my feeling about the denial, Mad at the situation I was thinking I can just drive to the Pumpkin patch, It’s a public place.  I don’t have to ride on the school bus with the kids, I can just meet them at the place.  As I’m starting my car, something tells me naw dont go, really don’t go.

2015 July 13,   Just days after watching Serena Williams win Wimbledon and capture her 21st Gran Slam Tennis Championship.

Early in the morning, while driving to work at National Defense University (NDU) at Fort McNair Army Post, Washington DC.   I was moved by a phone conversation I was having with my daughter’s mother. I was trying to convince her to join us on the tennis court and witness how good Laylah was striking the tennis ball.  I noticed for weeks she wasn’t trying to do anything as a family (Something was truly wrong). 

Driving into the early morning Washington DC commute you know to never let any huge vehicles (like dump trucks, school buses, etc.) in front of your car because you will never get to work on time. I would always drive my 745 BMW in the fast lane to work, and so I was driving fast of course, however I slowed my car down because I was extremely happy and took note of the BIG City bus that had just crossed into my lane.  I was happy because Laylah Mother said she would join us on the tennis court.

Boom right in front of me was a city bus advertising the 2015 Washington Citi Open was Andy Murry and Victoria Azarenka on the back of the bus.  

Wow, now I’m thinking  none of this is a coincidence.   First, the spirt that I was in watching Wimbledon and then the moment I hang up the phone, the City Bus changes lanes directly in front of me. God is sending me a message thru Tennis and now its starting to get my attention.  I whip out my cell phone and take a picture of the bus because now Im starting to understand more of this feeling.

Taking note of the date and time of the Citi Open Tennis event in Washington DC. I would make plans to attend this event and take me and my daughter to our First Tennis event.

Carsen Edwards and DeAaron Fox

Youthful start doing amazing things on the basketball court at the age 10

Being very athletic and growing up with athlete’s all around me. I knew talent when I witnessed it on site.  Summer 2008 I received a phone call from my cousin, informing me that her son was having an AAU Basketball Tournament in the Washington DC area, and wanted me to attend.  While attending that basketball tournament, I witnessed something very special about the young boys that I was summoned to see play basketball.  Wow, amazed by the skills, I had seen this one before.  I got chills watching these kids handle the basketball like the first time I saw Allen Iverson, when he was going to the eleventh grade .  I remember it like it was yesterday on Langley Air Force Base, Hampton Virginia. When kids have the IT factor, you can spot it easily if you have game yourself it doesn’t matter what brand they’re rocking.   You could tell that a few of these kids had IT and were destined to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) if they continued to work hard.   Amazed by these kids’ confidence, commitment and skill level of the game.  I  simply had to know the blueprint for these kids’ early success to the game of basketball. Asking my cousin what were the secret ingredients for these kids’ success?  She would stress the importance of developing these kids and keeping them working on a consistent basis. You must work with them, she stressed, and it was obvious that someone was working with these kids, and it was amazing a true blessing to view.

Carsen Edwards and De’Aaron Fox continue to do amazing things on the basketball court as professionals.

I just had to know the blueprint for these kids’ early success. What were the  secret ingredients for these kids’ success?  She stressed the importance of developing them and keeping them working on a consistent basis. You must work with them, she stressed even sternly. True example of Tony Robbins quote, “Repetition is the Mother of Success.”

Years later It was no surprise to me that my cousin and his back court mate would both make it to the NBA.  Carsen Edwards, De’Aaron Fox and I’m sure a few others may have seen some time in the NBA.  However, I would instill the same blueprint for my daughter’s training foundation years later based on that conversation and witnessing that amazing backcourt.

2015 Wimbledon Tennis Champions The day it all changed

Remember, this tennis match is in England and there time is at least 5 hours ahead.   I watched the tennis match, routing hard for Serena to win her 21st major title and simultaneously being touched by the spirit of God, and not having a clue as to why.  I would find out months later about my spirit being moved and used by that tennis match or the first time I had slowed down enough to take notice of this feeing, However it would not be the last time.