Written by: Lisa Kenzora, Highlands Sports Complex
A court, a net, a paddle, and a pickleball. The walls of Highlands Sports Complex begin to talk through the people that line up to shuffle between gray-boxed lines. A common interest in America’s fastest-growing sport and the will to exercise creates a scene at the front desk like characters in a book. While they all have the common goal of greater fitness, their stories illustrate every aspect of life. A trial visit turns into a weekly routine, and every checkmark of their workout is a picture of humankind. It is an example of a community of personalities that not only commit to health but move through life’s obstacles to achieve wellness.
The doors open at 9 am, and while I fill my drawer with dollar bills and coins, the chatter develops. “How are you?” “How was your weekend?” What comes after is a long list of stories of love, sickness, health, and even death. Each person diligently commits to their morning routines despite the difficult circumstances that may be circulating inside and around them.
A guest who frequented several times a week told me that her son was in the midst of a long battle with COVID-19. Time passes as each exchange of the exact coins meets my hand. One morning, she explodes with joy as she announces that the sickness has abated and his health has been restored. She witnesses his wedding of happiness—a lesson in the human spirit.
Another guest calls himself the old man, carrying the prefix of doctor but has long since retired. “I’ve got appointments for my heart.” Absent for a bit of time, but then his radiant smile appears again, still exercising his over 80-year-old body and aiming for wellness. A lesson in longevity.
A little later a man comes in accompanied by his wife. His wife has been gone a lot until recently. “She struggles with the death of our son. She just can’t get past it some days”. Her presence has become more routine lately. I see a woman triumphant after a workout who has a void within, but the will to venture forward. A lesson in strength.
In line, another person notes, “My chemotherapy starts next week. I hope to keep coming as long as my body lets me”. A lesson in hope.
Two sisters tag along with their husbands. A long love and a new love, sharing stories of faith, giving advice, offering kindness and guidance, and always with two pieces of candy. A lesson in family.
Another guest, with wit and charisma, boasts of his high school state wrestling championship. “How’s life?” Beaming in his usual jovial way, “I won a pickleball tournament with my partner last weekend.” A lesson in consistency.
A man whose name I jumbled at first creates a peculiar nickname for me. One joke after another creates a bond. The conversation evolves to tears during the loss of his mother. He looks for distraction in the game and smiles through his grief. A lesson in friendship.
The pastor who shares his mission and tells me that a regular face passed away suddenly. A loss mourned by all. He offers his spirituality. A lesson in the fragility of life.
A simple monetary cash transaction has evolved into wisdom from a mature crowd. And while their goal is better health and recreation, a few minutes of conversing can turn into life updates, connection, and community.
