Dreams vs Reality

 Seeing a dream come true is always a good story. But, what we don't see many times is the effort that it took to reach this pinnacle. We don't see the hours of practice, studying, travel, missed family functions, friends, self doubt, the so called blood, sweat & tears. We get to enjoy the excitement of the event or activity at it's crescendo. We might insert ourselves into the situation, be envious, and that's the reality or rub if you will..We start to wonder, Could we dedicate ourselves enough to our own particular dream or wish to experience "that moment" in our own lives? Do we have that particular focused effort on that 1 thing we enjoy the most and could make a living at it, help others, enhance someone's life or build a better mouse trap?
 My wife and I were able to see what I perceive as a "dream come true" this weekend in person at the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island, SC . Lexington resident, Josh Teater is going to the PGA Tour. I've gotten to know Josh a little bit via a client friend, Pat Kelly, due to my passion for golf, and knowing his local connection have become a fan. Josh's story is one of perseverence in golf. He's got a talent for sure, but He's not the teenage phenom with paparazzi following him everywhere, he has been to Q School a few times, played a number of mini tour events, and got his first win this season in Salt Lake, and finished his 1st year on this Tour in 7th place, to earn his Tour Card. I walked the fairways and greens of his weekend rounds with his family and seeing them smile and cheer for every good shot, and bite their lips for the very few bad ones was quite an experience. I can't imagine how many rounds his Mom has walked over the years to see this come to fruition. As a parent myself that added to the emotion for me. Josh has dug it out of the dirt as Ben Hogan once said. He earned it with good play, hard work, and dedication to this talent that God has blessed him with, but in a humble way. . He's a Good guy, and I will enjoy following him and the Troops any chance I get.

Surprise Surprise you are doing Ok Dad

Before I became a parent, I always wondered if I would be any good at it. Would I be a good example, would I slough off and just let them do whatever to give myself some peace? You have to pick your battles, I always heard. I can remember many battles that I had with my parents and how I thought they are so ridiculous, why can't I do that, these other kids are? I've got plenty of time, hopefully before those battles. She just started K'garten this year and according to the experts it was a little early, she was 4, just turned 5. But, had been going to an all day Preschool and doing well. She was bored and needed the challenge. It's been going so well, starting to read, and her writing is improving so fast. This morning as usual we are rushing to go out the door and she needs 1 more thing.."dad I need some money"? I said why ? You have money in your account there for B'fast and Lunch, "I just need it" , So I'm getting impatient and thinking here comes one of those battles I remember, but at 5? I'm in real trouble. "why do you need it"? "I just do".."Not today let's go".."but, dad my friend Jason needs it? He's hurting real bad, and can't walk in that wheel chair, and I want to help him". Insert screeching brake sound here in the soundtrack..I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough..Talk about feeling about an inch tall, with a bleeding heart for what lesson my daughter was teaching me this am. Surprise, you aren't doing so bad at this parenting thing. I have never been more proud to be her Dad than this morning as I buckled her in and she kissed me. I know, I know I need to remember this moment later when her reasons might not be as charitable!