Well that was fun....

Well that was fun….

My Uncle, who I miss dearly, told me a few years ago that I had a tough front 9 (in life) and now it was time to focus on the back 9. As I have always done with Uncle Buck – I listened.

I grew up playing sports. After running away at 9, I lived with Grandparents that parented me by getting me on a golf course, hockey, rink, basketball court. I worked through little fella feelings playing sport, games, practice and competing. More on that at some other time.

But I loved golf and ended up being decent enough to do something with it. I ended up in Kentucky at a school I probably didn’t deserve 2 be at. My first tournament, brand new to the climate and competition, I shot a 49 on the front 9. For a kid who was good, a school that was really good, that was about 13 strokes 2 many and put me at risk for making the team. I called my Grandpa, crying, at the halfway house terrified about getting cut and embarrassed. In his old fella wisdom, he said he would start packing the bags to go home (he travelled with me that first week down there), and book a flight. Told me to go give it all I had on the back 9 and hopefully I could post a score that would not embarrass me on the long journey home. I shot 29.

I made the team, and learned that no matter what, the start would never determine the ending. I had discovered choice, and the ability to finish strong.

I am 45 years old today. I am now on the back 9 of life.

I plan on living to 109, as my old friend Dave Matthews used to sing about. It’s a good #, and will allow me to see and play some golf with – my great Grandkiddos.

I wake up listening for the birds, and plan on being a bird watcher at some point. I run a mile a day, used to be able to run 3. I get tired at night and notice my body can’t digest the same amount of pizza I used to eat in my 30’s. Ice cream is a once a month kind of thing now (used to be Sundays).

I observe my 16 year old, and I see me. That is terrifyingly exciting. My 14 year old plays the golf game, and he’s gonna be better that I ever was. My 13 year old teaches me 2 better every day. My parenting game has gone from rules to negotiations, from band aids to prayers they come home at night.

The Littles (step kids) remind me that deep inside of me I love crafts (don’t tell anyone). And my wife, my partner in spirit and adventure, loves me for who I am and all my silliness. I am blessed.

The first 9 holes of life started off in the trees and mud per se, a few really good holes, and then I lost focus as I was trying so hard to score and “make the team”. I started off the 10th tee in my life with a brand new ball, a new mindset, a wonderful caddy (God), and this idea that the only pressure I was under was my own. I play each and every shot with a deep sense of joy, balance, and awareness (listening for the birds).

For any of those David Foster Wallace readers – I am really enjoying the water these days. I see you.

Mar 18th is a pivotal day for this fella. Time of renewal (spring), opportunity, and time to play the game.

For all of you, I am overwhelmed on LinkedIn, Facebook, and text messages – thanks for the bday wishes.

For all that has happened in the 45 years, I say Thanks.

For all that will happen in the next 45 (or so) years I say Yes.

Adam

(unedited)