Life

To be honest, I’m ambivalent about golf. My Dad taught me how to swing a club and I’ve played a round or two. But, I never was terribly interested in the sport. My boys adore the game. Bambino is an athletic kid and loves going to the driving range with his Dad. Occasionally, I tag along to take pictures and enjoy a long walk.

While planning our Boston/Cape Cod visit, I discovered that the Deutsche Bank Championship was being held nearby. Against my own personal interests, I suggested that we attend a day of the tournament. My boys happily agreed.

This was Bambino’s second golf tournament of the year. In May, we watched the Senior PGA Championship from a friend’s backyard.

Not a backyard, for the record. We’re not that posh. (And, I only seem to have one designated “golf outfit” for my kid.)

Beforehand, we discussed golf etiquette and the importance of being quiet and respectful. Thankfully, he took his responsibilities as a fan seriously.

While I do not share my boys’ love of golf, I did appreciate how the DeutscheBank Championship handled its youngest fans. The event benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation (which focuses on education and child empowerment). And, they encourage little ones to attend and enjoy the event.

At the driving range and multiple holes, there were “Kid Zones”– accessible only to children and their guardians. These zones allowed Bambino a front seat view of the course and practice venues. He even had a chance to greet Rory McIlroy (this year’s winner) and Jordan Speith.

Additionally, the clubhouse offered an autograph zone reserved for children. Many players spent a half hour or more signing autographs for their littlest fans. However, Bambino decided to forgo autographs and chose to play in the event’s Children’s Village at the end of our day. He worked on his mini golf skills.

He enjoyed a bounce house.

And had a generally great time.

By mid-day, he was exhausted. We piled back in the car and headed back for one last night in Boston. It was a quiet evening that involved a decent hotel dinner, some local beers, and television. The next morning, Bimbo and I headed home. Il Marito boarded a plane to Berlin.

Our last few trips (Italy, Chicago, and Boston) ended with my family splitting up and traveling separately. Initially, I expected my little boy to be troubled by this change in our routine. He has adjusted beautifully. I asked him if it bothered him that his dad was going on another plane without us. His response: “He always comes home. Daddies need adventures too.”

We left for Boston and Cape Cod hoping that the trip would foster our child’s curiousity, mental flexibility, and sense of confidence. Some days, I feel like I’m bolluxing up this parenting thing. Then, Bambino reminds me that I’m doing okay.

Here’s to raising a rolling stone.

This summer has flown by. I have started and failed to finish several blog posts. Instead of sitting at the computer, I’ve been busy living. This is a good and necessary thing. This year has included the loss of several friends and heroes. Too often, I have found myself sitting in a church pew wishing that I had spent more time and given more thanks. I’ve also watched too many loved ones go through the same process.

Last summer, I worked on unplugging. This summer, I’m working on appreciation. My child is healthy and happy. I have a safe home, good food on the table and people to love. Life is beautiful. Life is short.

I should be writing a post about all the awesome stuff we’ve been up. I’ll get to that eventually. Instead, I need to give thanks.

If you have kissed away my tears, calmed my fears, and lightened my burdens– thank you. Someday, maybe I’ll return the favor and ease your pain.

If you have opened up my world, giving me opportunities to learn, discover and explore– thank you.

If you have made me laugh until I cried– thank you.

If you have given me patience and compassion at my worst moments– thank you.

If you challenged me, pushed me, and wanted me to be better– thank you.

If you have loved me with all my spastic and irritating habits– thank you.

If you have listened to me– thank you.

If you have let me listen– thank you.

Thank you to my parents. To my family. To my friends. To Sister Maria Tardani. My world is a better place because of you.

Here’s to being the change we want to see.

La Vita Ebrom

Golf and Going Home.

Blink of an Eye.