In the realm of legends, Arthur Ashe’s life was a testament to resilience and fortitude. His legacy stretched far beyond the courts of Wimbledon, transcending into a narrative of strength amid adversity.
As AIDS silently ravaged his body, letters poured in from across the globe, seeking solace in the contemplation of why such a fate befell a sporting icon. Among them, one inquiry stood out: “Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease?”
With the wisdom forged through a lifetime of challenges, Arthur Ashe responded with unwavering grace. He painted a poignant picture of the journey: millions ignited with the passion for tennis, but only a handful traversed the arduous path to its pinnacle—Wimbledon. Not once in triumph did he question divine selection, and in agony, he refused to demand explanations.
“The world over—5 crore (50 million) children start playing tennis, 50 lahks (5 million) learn to play tennis, 5 lahks (5,00,000) learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to the semifinal, 2 to the finals,” Ashe conveyed. “When holding a cup, I never asked GOD ‘Why me?’. And today in pain, I should not be asking GOD ‘Why me?'”
His words echoed the essence of endurance: Happiness sweetens life, trials fortify the spirit, sorrow connects us in our humanity, failure instills humility, and success illuminates our existence. Yet, it’s the divine presence that sustains the journey forward.
Arthur Ashe’s reply encapsulated the arduous journey to Wimbledon: the millions drawn to tennis, the select few who ascend to its zenith, and the rarity of grasping the coveted cup. He juxtaposed these milestones with a poignant realization: in moments of victory, he never questioned the divine, and in pain, he refused to demand answers. This narrative of perseverance amid triumph and adversity became the cornerstone of his wisdom—a testament to embracing life’s challenges without seeking justification.
Paraphrased the story heard from a friend
William Paul's Blog 