Important Things

At a time when there are far bigger and more important things going on in the world, especially this week with the unfortunate events at Virginia Tech, and with an even closer, sad situation this week at my host housing, I am reminded again (it's been a constant lesson), that there are simply worse things than a missed shot, a missed putt, or a "less than perfect" round of golf. That will be my humbling thought this week as I tee it up in Lafayette, LA. I have goals and ambitions out here and each time I play a round I strive for as close to "perfection" as we golfers can get. However, in the big scheme of things, the big picture, golf just really isn't all that important. I have been watching the news reports and the interviews with students from VT and keep thinking to myself how bad that situation must have been for those people and for the families of the people in those particular buildings. We take too much for granted each day and I for one am just thankful for all that I am able to do in my life right now. As for my host housing, I feel like maybe we were put in this house for a reason bigger than either Nicole or I will ever understand. We are staying with a single lady who has her 24 year old daughter living with her as well as her 3 year old granddaughter from another daughter. She got custody of the little girl and last spring the girl's mother decided to move away to Florida with a boyfriend. Less than a year later, the girl's father (who had just turned 21) was killed in a car accident this New Year's morning (coming to pick up his daughter none the less). Every time she grabs her picture book of "Mackenzie and Dad" my heart literally aches for her. Luckily, she has her grandma in her life, but how sad that she only got 3 years with her Dad. The little girl is elated (understatement) that two "big sisters" are here this week and follows us everywhere. Yes, even to the bathroom. Being the way that I am with kids (I absolutely adore them), I have taken to her and jump on the trampoline with her, play dolls with her and whichever other activities she randomly decides to partake in. My point is just how much of a reminder this week has been for how thankful I should be. 60 or 90, cut or no cut, I am so grateful to be playing and striving so hard to reach my goals, and to be out here living the life of a professional golfer. So, next time you think something is rough for you or you're having a bad day, be thankful for the good, positive things that are in your life instead. Signing of in Lafayette, LA (P.S. remind me later if I am ever considering it that I really have no desire to ever move to Lousiana). My tee time tomorrow morning is 8:36 and the live-scoring should be available again at www.duramedfuturestour.com for those of you who are at your computers!!