That's a pretty good question considering 2011 is almost two weeks old and this is my first blog of the New Year... but I have been dealing with a "funk" brought on by terrible news and a terrible tragedy. I have finally snapped out of it in the only way that never fails to lift my spirits and provide the healing for the pain that bad news brings... by playing golf. Being on the golf course gives me time to reflect, organize my thoughts, and communicate with God about what's troubling me... (except when I am cursing a poor shot and I ask Him not to listen).
My sister called me one day last week and gave me the news that I dreaded to hear... Uncle Ray had passed away after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. He was my father's brother and looked almost exactly as my Dad looked before he passed away. When Dad passed 10 years ago, I lost touch with his side of the family... (totally my own fault) but kept up on news through my sister's efforts to remain in contact with our cousins and their children. I developed an email relationship with my cousin George and when I moved to Arizona, he was the only one I really had any contact with. When I planned my first visit back East in June 2009, Sheryl gave me my cousin Lynn's phone number and we arranged a round of golf and visit on the New York leg of the journey. We had a great visit... (even though it rained almost every day I was back East) and she gave my phone number to her Dad (Uncle Ray) and he called me and we talked. I was headed down to New Jersey to play golf with Victor and we changed plans and played with Uncle Ray. It was a special day (the rain held off) and he was able to play all 18 holes with us (he was in the middle of treatment) and I am not afraid to admit that the tears flowed on several occassions as his mannerisms and jokes reminded me so much of Dad (like the tears falling now as I write this). After golf we went back to the house and I visited with Aunt Dot and we hugged and kissed and promised to keep in touch. We sent emails back and forth and pictures... (which I lost when my computer crashed last Christmas) but I never thought it would be the last time I saw him.
Uncle Ray was the original "golf fanatic" in our family, playing at the country club and playing in tournaments and betting and hating to lose. He was the Uncle who lived next to the golf course and lived and breathed the game. Dad bought me my clubs and took me golfing and taught me the beauty and fun side of the game and Uncle Ray kindled the competitive side and lit the passion for the game that burns even brighter to this day. We would spend every visit locked in conversation about golf. We would taunt each other about who was the best and how we would go about "kicking each other's ass" on the course. When the news came in that he was gone it did not diminish the game for me. On the contrary, it has fueled my passion even more...(even I didn't think THAT was possible). I was unable to attend the services... (thanks again to Sheryl for representing) but on Saturday the 8th I played the first annual round in honor of Uncle Ray and will do my best to repeat it every year until I can't play anymore. I never knew I could play so well through the tears... (I shot 73) and it was celebration of his life and the game we loved so much.
Which brings me to a very important point... (at least to me). I want you all to know how much you mean to me... (and not just because you read my blogs---you BETTER be reading my blogs). I know that I am terrible at keeping in touch and even worse about visiting... (hence, the written word which invades your respective "in" boxes) but I want you to know that I love each and every one of you. You are my family and close friends and are always available when I need you and I appreciate that. Life has a way of getting too fast and unwieldy and we lose sight of those that matter most. I will be here and will continue to try to entertain you with the adventures and goings on out West of a man with a "unique perspective"... (read that borderline crazy). Love and peace to all of you... God bless all of you and may he guide Uncle Ray into the loving protection of eternal life.
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What a tribute to both our fathers! My only comfort in all of this is that dad's up there right now teeing off with his foursome, Bob Hope, Payne Stewart and Ben Hogan. Then off to the clubhouse for some acapella with Uncle Bob and Jack Gilgannon over a pint. That has GOT to be heaven!!!
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