Setting Firm Foundations

Set a firm foundation.  When I wanted to take a shortcut, my grandmother, with her calm, Southern certainty, a lilt of a smile on her wide mouth, said those four words. She said them to my son, her loved ones, and to the eight young ladies in the mid-2000s of Tampa’s Incarnation Catholic School Tennis Team. 

Nearly one year into worldwide pandemic, those four words are this Project’s mantra, Chicas and Compañeros, for the first quarter of 2021. We celebrate one Chica and two Compañeros who keep my grandmother’s theory in praxis.

First, we celebrate Donald Snowdon, a cousin to me who is celebrating his 80th year in 2021.  He is a constant voice for humor and succor to four generations of his line as well as many in the community. He was once the baby of his clan.  With his white hair and wide mouth like my grandmother, he is now  the elder leader who listens without judgement and reminds us of our past, sharing old stories and songs and reminding us of the value in our shared foundations.  Thank you, Compañero, for always giving agency to Chicas with your trust and your compassion. Thank you for your hand in creating so many firm foundations.

Just down the street from Donald’s home, I imagine the daily life of his neighbor, my stalwart Godmother, Mary Alice Laforenza. She, like Donald, grew up hearing my grandmother’s words of advice. She applies the principle through her willingness to start anew.  She is always courageous in looking inward, in working back to one’s foundations when life requires new beginnings.  Her essence has made her a trope of humanity for my son.  When he witnesses someone standing courageous against the tides, he calls that act a Mary Alice.  Thank you, Mary Alice, my little Mouse, for valuing those times when we need to return to our firm foundations.

Finally, just up the coast from my home, I celebrate the 24-year-and-counting career of Bollettieri tennis coach Tim Davide. More than a decade ago, Tim and my grandmother gave the young ladies of that Incarnation Tennis Team a firm foundation in the life-long sport and all the character-building skills it nurtures.  None of those girls had ever picked up a racquet before we gathered on hard courts with few frills.  Tim embodied for them the potential of a firm foundation—in mind, body, and spirit.   The young ladies are now grown, soaring from their firm foundations.  Still, Coach Tim’s mantra remains constant.  I returned to his courts recently to rid bad habits and to start a new, firm foundation for my own game. Thank you, Coach Davide, Compañero, for meeting me, steady and ready to work.

The Clever Chicas Project celebrates all who set those firm foundations. We celebrate all those willing to return to firm foundations and begin again when life guides us to take that leap of courage.  May we continue forward with the same grace shared by the three new members featured here.