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52 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2020 | POP Tennis Personal Player Stories: Survivor & Renaissance Woman What does it mean to be a survivor? Lillie Lawaetz would be the perfect example of this. First of all, in 1966, her son, Richard, died of a respiratory infection, but she survived. Then her perfectly healthy 12-year-old daughter, Samantha, woke up not feeling well. Two weeks later, she was gone, due to Reyes Syndrome, but her mom survived that too. In addition, just picture this: You are sitting in your car with your husband when a crack addict opens the car door, takes a step forward, grabs your purse, takes a step back and shoots you in the head and arm. That's what happened to Lillie. No idea why; but she survived. Six months and one day after the shooting, Hurricane Hugo, in 1989, took her house down to the ground, but she survived. Within the next nine years, she endured four more hurricanes. So, as you can see, Survivor is the right word to describe her, but that is only one side of her. She is also active in regular tennis for 10 years, as well as bocce, bunco, playing pool and she belongs to a poker and bridge group. She is also an artist and makes her own jewelry, gift bags and greeting cards. In addition, she is an avid traveler. She has traveled to multiple places around the world and planning to cruise in June. She earned her college degree in the Virgin Islands and was a CPA in accounting. I am sure you will understand what she lives by: "Stay strong; wake up happy and go to bed happy." Originally, Lillie was born in Newark, New Jersey but raised in the Virgin Islands and lived there for 38 years. She describes that time as a truly amazing experience! There is no question that she is not only a survivor after all her personal tragedies and certainly a Renaissance Woman, who is involved in many exciting and adventurous things, without pausing for regrets. She's a winner! So, come and join us. Demo paddles are available. Come out and see what it's all about, or call Pat or Michelle Carter at 909-747-5851. Come out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays (free for Pop & Pickleball), and Sundays from 8 am to 10 am to intermingle with some real characters and all those pop tennis wisecrackers! Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.