Growing Contempt for Golf and Golfers
Blessedly my husband's forte was swimming, which meant that I could go with him to watch. Strangely I did not mind his playing tennis, either. Tennis was safe – but GOLF KILLED PEOPLE! I played in his dance band with him for 30 years, which was good because from my seat at the piano I could watch and see that no harm came to him (and his fans did not get too close!). However there still remained the problem of the frequent flights.
But No One Lives Forever
No matter how badly I wanted him to live forever, or how hard I tried to help him fight a genetic disorder called hemochromatosis, the day came when I had to face the fact that the time had come to let go; nothing could save him. He was ready to go, and I became a housebound semi-invalid with nothing to do but write stories and watch television.
In time, I moved close to Vancouver, where I somehow became such an ardent ice hockey fan that some of my very amused friends clubbed together and bought me a Canucks jersey. Watching hockey soon became such an integral part of my daily routine that, while knowing full well that the season had ended, I still scrolled all the way down my TV directory on a regular basis, in the vain hope of seeing the familiar emerald-green area that denoted "Sport" among the list of programs – hoping for news of "my" team.
Such is Life!
Then, one day, I had no sooner tuned in when my attention was caught by the voice of golfer Ernie Els, who spoke with the same accent as my own, and ironically it transpired that I had somehow tuned in to GOLF! ("Ernie" Els is a South African golfer who has been one of the top professional players in the world since the mid-1990s.)
Instantly I was mesmerized and I could not even blink my eyes for fear of missing a second of the game. Memories of happy days spent following my father swept over me; I could still interpret the terminology as though the clock had been turned back; and now, following the Masters ranks high among my favorite pastimes!
Article comments
1 - Gillian Marsh
Having read every book this writer has published, and, more than once, "The Bronze "Killer” for which she was awarded a Medal of Honor and a Lifetime Achievement award, I think I have come to know a bit about her background. I also enjoy her articles and I am always pleased to see a new one on the list; but I must confess that I can hardly use the word "enjoy" in connection with this one.
What I would rather use to describe it is: "Thought-provoking." It made me wonder to what extent my own childhood experiences have molded me, and how careful one has to be about saying or doing anything to a child. What also came to me was a comforting thought that God somehow puts things right in the end.
At the same time I smiled at the picture of a elderly South African lady in a Canadian Canucks jersey, and I wish her many happy hours of watching both hockey -- and golf!
2 - Marie Warder
Thank you for your comment. I certainly isn't the most glowing I have ever received, but it taught me a lesson: "Don't write when you're sick or down-in-the-dumps!"
However, your closing statement gave me a good laugh and cheered me immensely!
3 - Val Armstrong
I am also a Canucks fan (a fanatic, in fact -- but I had to buy my own jersey!) Strangely I am also watching golf now, and am a great admirer of Ernie Els.No wonder he is known as the "Big Easy!"
4 - Marie Warder
Needless to say, I am delighted that Ernie won the British Open today. And you may be sure that I did a lot of praying!
a few seconds ago · Like
5 - Janet Dent
Marie what an interesting story.I enjoyed it very much.It made me think about my own experiences consering death,and explaining painful occurances to my own children.I think you make a great canucks fan too.