"Holding Court for a Moment in Time"

PATTY BURNS

Labor Day. A stunning day at the beach.

So many folks at Bel-Air Bay Club were snuggled up courtside to the paddle tennis courts—glued to the drama of the Mixed Doubles Club Championships.

I was off to the side, kind of rocking and cuddling a treasure of my life, my grandson Whit. 

Even though Whit only knows how to say “balls” and “score!” and “momma” and a couple more goodies, I was explaining the importance of what he was watching.

A Labor Day tradition for eighty-five years.

The revered club championship matches—right here on this very court.  Creating generations of memories.

Watching the finals—some were young parents, some holding their babies, many having lunch and sipping on a cold beer or summer drink.

I misspoke.  Bigger than Wimbledon. 

Only the prize is just a little different.  Forever bragging rights, a pic in the club newsletter—and a couple of drink tokens.