Here's the story behind this cue:
I have been working with Katie, who will be 10 in a few weeks, for a little over a year now on the pool table. She has been dying to learn how to play. Well, she has improved to the point that she can now play her dad and myself in a game of Cut-throat, and hold her own...even winning on occasion.
She has been asking for her very own 2 piece cue for well over a year now. We both told her that when she buckled down and got serious about the game and learning, we would get her her own cue. She has now improved to the point that she is making long table shots and some cut shots.
So, when she was asked what she wanted this year for her birthday, a starter acoustic guitar, or a cue...there was no hesitation whatsoever...it was the cue!
So, I got to looking around at junior sized cues, and most of them just look like 'toys' to me. And the quality wasn't wow'ing me either. I contacted Brent, not really expecting him to be able to come up with something on such short notice..or, perhaps even, within our somewhat limited budget.
I guess timing is everything...lol. Because he just happened to have this cue he had worked on that was gonna be too thin for a standard player, but would definitely work for someone with smaller hands...and he could put it together in no time, as it was basically already mostly done. I talked to Katie's mom, who does not have a lot of money either, and so we agreed that I would kick in 1/3, dad would kick in 1/3 and mom would kick in the final 1/3....making it easier overall for everyone involved to give her what she really has been wanting for quite some time now. And, Brent has made it affordable enough for us to accomplish this.
I believe that every kid needs something that teaches them discipline and direction in their life, whether it be music, sports, etc. She has stuck with pool, and shows no signs of losing interest. She has learned how to use a bridge to reach those shots she might otherwise not be able to...and has just really been showing a true keen interest and commitment. I want to encourage this type of behavior...and who knows....she may actually be on a pro tour someday because of our efforts!
Also, because this is a 'real' cue, and not something that looks like a toy, she is going to have a greater respect for her equipment, and I am already explaining to her the importance of cue care...and she gets it.
While I am trying to keep the pics secret...she is so unbelievably excited that she can hardly contain herself...and is like a lot of us adults waiting for a cue...."is it done yet?"...Lol.
I see too often parents who take very little interest in their kids and what 'sparks' them. I have never been that type of parent...and want to give them every opportunity to build confidence and excellence in what ever excites them...in a good way.
I cannot thank Brent enough for working with me to help us make this happen for her, And hopefully this small investment now will pay off dividends for her in her future...in whatever endeavor she chooses.
Oh yeah...and Brent went above and beyond with this cue! Turned out much snazzier than I could have ever hoped for!! She's gonna freak when she sees it!!
Lisa
