Ladies of Cypress Lake & LCWTL Support Watlingtons

The late Jesse Watlington

Realists believe that we are not in control of our destinies, and all it takes is an unexpected, unplanned stroke of fortune or tragedy to remind us. Most recently the Fort Myers community experienced the tragic death of Jesse Watlington, the 11-year-old boy who was struck by lightning while at football practice at Southwest Florida Christian Academy, on Oct.3, and died on Oct. 7. The outpouring of support has been as we would expect from the Fort Myers community, and the tennis community is certainly doing its part.

4.0 Ladies of Cypress Lake

Thanks to Tracy DiBiase, I found out that the 4.0 team at Cypress Lake Country Club, in honor of Jesse and his favorite color, wore purple for their first match against Gulf Harbour. In bringing it to my attention, Tracy wrote, “Andrea Trank the President of the 4.0 division got word of it and asked the whole division to wear purple in support.  The response we got from every team was overwhelming; they all participated and wore purple or purple ribbons.”

In a sentiment that I am sure is shared by many, Tracy also wrote, “Although we didn’t know Jesse, this tragic event affected many of the girls on our team as we are parents and the thought of losing a child is unbearable.” There is little that we can do to fully express what we may feel in situations like these, but a “Jesse Fund” has been established, and the Cypress Lake 4.0 will be making a donation. Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund in support of the Watlington family can forward a contribution to McGregor Baptist Church 3750 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966 and include “Jesse’s Fund” in the “For” line, or call the church office at (239) 936-1754.

My condolences go out to the Watlington family, and kudos to the ladies of the LCWTL and to the members of the Fort Myers community who have rallied behind the family.