My Heart's Volley
Published: 2023-10-25 19:36:05

I fell in love with pickleball the first time I stepped onto the court at the local rec center. I had just moved to town and was looking for ways to meet people. As soon as I started rallying back and forth, I was hooked on the fast-paced game.

Over the next few months, I became a pickleball regular, getting to know all the usual players. One guy in particular caught my eye - Scott. We were often partners for doubles games. Scott was incredibly athletic and fun to volley with. Our on-court chemistry was undeniable.

Eventually I gathered the courage to ask Scott to meet me for a juice after our Friday evening games. We started dating and soon became the pickleball power couple. We trained together to improve our game. Our coordinated moves and seamless teamwork made us tough to beat.

Whenever Scott and I took the court together, there was electricity in the air. We had a blast, even when casual games became intense battles. We high-fived endlessly and always had each other’s backs.

Over time, it felt like Scott and I could communicate without words during play. I knew exactly where he’d hit the ball just from a subtle shoulder fake or glance. We relished our fierce battles against other couples and almost always emerged victorious.

After two years of playing together, Scott and I got engaged right on center court. It was the perfect symbol of our shared passion for pickleball. We decided to be untraditional and have a pickleball-themed wedding right there at the rec center.

On our wedding day, all our pickleball friends gathered excitedly. We even had little paddles decorating the tables at the reception. As we exchanged vows, I looked lovingly into Scott’s eyes, so grateful to have found my partner in life and on the court.

Once the reception got going, we surprised everyone by pulling out our paddles! Scott and I played a friendly wedding game against my bridesmaids and his groomsmen. There were lots of laughs as we rallied in our wedding attire.

After Scott and I won handily, it was time for our couples’ first dance. As we gently swayed on the court, so in love, I truly felt I had it all. Until suddenly Scott collapsed!

Chaos erupted. He wasn’t breathing! The ambulance arrived and paramedics desperately tried reviving him as we all watched, horrified. But it was too late. Just like that, Scott was gone.

I sunk to the floor, wailing with grief. My new husband had died on our wedding day playing the game we both loved. The weeks that followed were a blur of tears and making funeral arrangements instead of honeymoon plans.

Once I was able to pull myself together a bit, I knew I had to get back on the pickleball courts. Scott would have wanted me to keep playing the game that brought us together.

That first time grabbing a paddle again without Scott was unbearably hard. But with each volley, I started feeling his presence. It was like his spirit was there with me on the court we had dominated together so joyfully.

Though my heart is still heavy, I know Scott wants me to embrace life and [pickleball](https://pickleball4all.com/) again. Now every time I play, I blow a kiss skyward to my love before serving. My heart’s volley carries on.