Bryant |

I’ve been putting off writing this post for over a week. Just the thought of writing about her makes me cry. They aren’t really sad tears, just tears.

This is Lindsey Jo.

And I love her!

I’ve known her for over 6 years since my first year as a tennis coach and she was a Sophomore on my team. We never figured out the whole Coach-Player relationship. I would tell her what to do and if she approved she would do it. If she didn’t approve, she told me how she really felt.

Sounds like a coach’s worst nightmare, right?

She reminded me of myself.

LJo has always been an amazing person, even as a Sophomore she was more “together” than I was as at 25 years old. She has a passion for the Lord that tops any I have ever witnessed in my life.

The only person that comes close is her best friend Rachel.

This is what I saw every time I gave instructions during practice.

Rachel is currently serving as a missionary in South Asia. After LJo & Rachel graduated they went to separate colleges.

In.

Different.

States.

I never imagined they could be apart at all, especially for that long and by choice!

Both of the girls worked their tails off and graduated in 3 years.

In.

THREE.

Years.

Who does that? They keep trying to credit me with their success stating that they learned hard work and discipline as tennis players. (<—LIE)

I will never forget these girls. There is so much I have learned from them and so much more I need to learn.

They make me want to me a better person, better coach and most importantly a better Christian.

This is LJo’s other BFF Shannon.

The first time they ever met was at one of our tennis camps. At the end of the first day LJo came up to me and told me she couldn’t stand Shannon. “She doesn’t listen or do what I say and she talks to much.”

I looked at LJo and said “She’s JUST like you!”

They have been BFF’s ever since. Go figure.

I will never forget this past March being in a field of daffodils taking pictures of Tater. This was the last picture I took that day.

A few minutes later as we were walking home we heard sirens. A couple of hours later I learned while on facebook that LJo’s younger brother Noah and his girlfriend had been on a motorcycle when a car pulled out in front of them. LJo and her brother were so close, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen siblings as close as they were. I’m not sure what the Wilson’s secret to parenting is but they raised two amazing, unique, respectful, intelligent AND entertaining children! I have never been in the presence of either Noah or LJo where we weren’t laughing about something.

The past 6 months must have been the hardest of LJo’s life, hopefully the hardest she will ever experience. Even through such a tough time LJo was still herself. At the funeral we were standing around talking, I will never forget this moment. LJo started repeating some of the condolences that visitors had shared with her throughout the day.

Her words “They keep saying he would want me to move on with my life and he’s looking down on me.” (Then in her typical voice, which means she’s practically yelling)

“My brother is sitting at the feet of Jesus, he doesn’t give a FLIP about what I’m doing down here!”

Of course no one in the room was surprised by this, its typical LJo.

She never fails to amaze me. To have such a strong faith in our Father that she doesn’t doubt Him one bit during such a devastating time is inspiring.

Have I mentioned I love her?

So does this guy.

I left out a very important part of LJo’s college life. She married Bryant after her first semester at UT. They were high school sweethearts and are perfect for each other!

I had the privilege of going to their new home last week to take some pictures.