Timeless

As a kid I read the slam book of my mother. In that relic she wrote her motto in life simplicity is beauty. Did not make sense, I thought she should have embraced a more profound mantra. Cringe, although at that time the world did not use the word. I vowed never to copy it, on paper at least.

Fast forward to today, the man born on the same day my mother saw the light requested simplicity in his farewell tribute in the French Open. An homage to the king of clay, the ceremony was low key, in keeping with his wishes, that it be simple, humble and nothing more.

How to simplify greatness is complex. How to deglamorize the greatest man who ever played on sticky mud is even tougher, his 6-meter statute in Roland Garros is not inanimate, it speaks volumes about his artistry and wizardry on clay. Now his footprint on center court immortalizes his greatness beyond the14 titles he won, the most by any player, man or woman, on any surface.

A farewell to the king attended by tennis royalty Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray graced the occasion, to bid goodbye to a rival who took away many of their chances at glory, to salute a foe who became a friend, especially with the Swiss Maestro whom he developed a bromance between two certified straight men.

Despite his aversion to anything fancy, Rafa attracts attention, even worship. As opposed to many others who sophisticate mediocrity, without reference to people busy looking immaculate rich in the company of the filthy rich.

Despite how he protects his privacy, Rafa draws publicity. He does not have to create news or noise, without reference to those who wash dirty linen in public, including a pretty wife cheated on by an ugly husband, devoured by uglier voyeurs,

In a league of his own, Nadal is the news and the voice. He paid tribute to his uncle who coached him to greatness in tennis and in life. Uncle Toni represents the quiet devotion of uncles, and aunts, who replace absentee parents of their nephews and nieces, in another testament the best things in life are free.

Family, except those estranged worse than strangers. Friends, including the fake who think we don t know. Frenemies are the best, they’re brutal but real. Laughter, especially at our folly and stupidity. Silly is the antidote to boredom. Nature, or whatever is left by business and greed. And nurture, instinctive or acquired.

Now I get it, mom. On June third you turn 98. But now you hardly hear or understand when I talk to you, even about your favorite things. But when I say I love you, you always respond. Love is the only language you understand. By then Rafa will be 39. The difference of 59 years does not change the lesson, life can be simple and still be beautiful.