Yinzer Pickleball, Birthday Bash and Book Signing!

Writing a book is not for the faint of heart. After it’s published, the marketing/selling/giving it away can go on for years. I’m happy to be in that boat; my first book will “always” be on the shelf, and perhaps a book signing every now and again - even after five years.

A pickleballer friend of ours, Jim W. (Wereszczynski), has created the Yinzers Group on Thursday afternoons. Yes, Jim is from Pittsburgh and proud of his Polish heritage. When he moved to this area around two years ago, he coincidentally found The Putaway Pickleball venue. He didn’t know many people then, yet he took matters into his own hands and created a community of wonderful pickleball-loving folks. It’s grown over the last year; Jim even issues his famous Yellow Yinzers T-shirt for all who “join” in the fun. He gives us a heads-up on when to bring our shirts to play, like today. J

This afternoon, Jim threw a birthday bash to celebrate the great 68 (his bday is tomorrow, but he holds the Yinzer group on Thursdays, hence the party today).

A few months ago, while still in the planning stages, Jim had become aware of our son Ryan’s cancer diagnosis, along with the mayhem and miracles we encountered.

He bought a copy of my book and read it cover to cover.

He wanted others to know about our story.

He asked us if we would sign books for his guests - and bought 30 copies for us to sign and distribute. He also included two other vendors, all pickleball friends with Jim and our family. The air was electric and fun. The Putaway club bought ice cream, another friend made two cakes, and one of the vendors, Julie Thi, brought delicious cupcakes.

Several people knew about our family’s situation, but a few did not know a thing. They wanted a signed book and felt comfortable enough to share their own personal stories with us regarding a cancer diagnosis of a loved one. We are always open to hearing their stories. And we find the connections are unbelievable!

The three hours went by in a heartbeat! Ryan, Bill, and I also got in a couple of games of pickleball to top off this event and celebrate Jim’s birthday!

There is something pretty powerful about belonging. Jim may have started the Yinzers because he wanted a few people to play pickleball with on Thursday afternoons, but somewhere along the way, he built a community. Today, that community stretched far beyond paddles, pickleballs, yellow T-shirts, birthday cake, and ice cream. Stories were shared. Connections were made. Thirty copies of The Focused Fight found their way into new hands and, hopefully, into the hearts of people who may need its message someday.

That’s what community does. We show up for each other—in celebration, in hardship, and sometimes simply because it’s Thursday afternoon and there’s a pickleball game waiting.

Happy 68th Birthday, Jim! Thanks for reminding us that the best way to find belonging just might be to create it—and then invite everyone else to join the fun.

bSoleille!

Terri

Photos: 1) Bill, Ryan, and me; 2) Ryan's court of players (he and his partner won this game!); 3) The Yinzers!!!; 4) Me with book/signing; 5) Jim W. and me; 6) Jim on the court; 7) Bill in action

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