It’s an unwritten rule that living in southwest Florida means either you must golf or play tennis. While not an avid golfer, I’ve played my fair share of tracks over the years and was willing to rekindle that interest. However, while my wife Bev was open-minded, it quickly became clear that golf would not become her passion. We’d have to be content staring at the golf course from our living room window, rather than from the tee box! Still, we earnestly wanted to find an activity to participate in together, so Bev suggested tennis. Neither of us had ever played before, so it sounded like a great idea.

Three lessons in, we’re far from the US Open, but we’re hitting more balls, making more first serves and are excited and enthusiastic about the game. It’s allowing us to get some great exercise, although some days it is like exercising in a sauna! It’s provided a welcome respite after a full day of patients or surgery. I’ll be especially grateful to Bev when toting only a small tennis duffel, rather than two full sets of clubs, on vacation in the future!