Jordan Spieth, The Masters, Camping, and Track – Reflections From A Father, Son, and Grandson
Yesterday, Jordan Spieth became the second youngest player ever to win the coveted green jacket by winning The Masters in August, GA. Due to a busy weekend camping with Isaac and helping out at Hannah’s track meet, I didn’t have an opportunity to keep up with the golf tournament until the very last few holes. I always enjoy watching moments like these. I love hearing the stories of athletes and their families. And I enjoy seeing how the athletes respond to their victories (and defeats).
(Coincidentally, Jordan Spieth went to the same high school in Dallas, TX that my youngest brother attended.)
Many of his competitors praised Jordan for his play over the four-day tournament, and they commented on the great things to come for this 21-year-old. The commentators were very gracious in describing the journey Spieth has taken to get to this moment. When he finished up the final short putt on the final hole, he leaned over to reflect on the moment. He hugged his caddy and shook hands with Justin Rose. Then he handed his putter over to his caddy and headed to a small section of spectators standing at the edge of the green. The spectators included his mom, dad, brother, girlfriend, and his grandpa. For a brief moment, Jordan and his grandfather embraced. His grandpa had some words for Jordan. I wish I could capture them for the blog, but it was clear he was expressing his pride and perhaps passing down some wisdom to his young grandson.
Above all else, this is the moment I’ll remember about this year’s Masters tournament. To me, it brought similar emotions that well up inside me every time I see the end of Field of Dreams when Kevin Costner’s character shares a moment with his dad.
Life has spread my family apart. I live in eastern Pennsylvania. My parents and youngest brother live in Dallas, TX. My middle brother and his family live in Milwaukee, WI. My only living grandfather lives in Minneapolis, MN. And the rest of my family lives anywhere from a five-hour drive away to a long plane ride to Guam where my cousin is stationed in the Navy.
I have learned to accept these conditions. And yet, there is something inside me that longs for the embrace of my dad or my grandpa when I experience life’s victories and defeats. I will never win The Masters, but I want to experience in person the pride and wisdom of my parents and grandfather when I publish my first book, when I celebrate a big promotion, or when I experience one of life’s many milestones.
As I look back on this weekend, it was an opportunity for me to do this with my own kids. On Friday night, I jumped in the car right after work with Isaac to go camping with him and his scout troop at a local scout reservation. On Saturday morning, I woke up early to head back to our high school to help out with Hannah’s track meet. I had the privilege of celebrating her best mile time ever and observe her interaction with a very interested college coach and recruiter. I headed back to the scout reservation for dinner and a night of camping with Isaac. There are not always long conversations exchanged during these types of events, but I was so thankful to observe and to celebrate the victories and milestones of my children.
I’m learning again and again that our time of parenting only seems to accelerate as time goes along. Hannah is finishing up her junior year in high school and is looking forward to college, and Isaac is right behind her as he finishes up his freshman year in high school. I want to make the most of these moments and opportunities. I want to rejoice and pass along wisdom when my kids experience a victory, and I want to be there when they experience defeat and need a shoulder to lean on. And I want to be there for years to come. Will this happen? I don’t know. I know God has big plans in store for both my kids, and I believe He still has big plans in store for Leanne and me as we move onto the next stage of our married lives. May we listen to God’s direction and be open to his promptings in the days, weeks, and years to come.
Congrats Jordan Spieth on your victory, and thank you for sharing the moments with your family and with the world!