Monday, November 7
We all know how it goes. You surprise yourself with an idea, formulate a plan and it unfolds flawlessly – a most satisfying feeling! Well, that is what happened to me today.
For the past twenty-five years, my brother Rich, has, not so subtlety, tried to convince me to return to the good-ole-days of playing golf together. Yesterday, when asked once again, amazingly, I heard the word “yes” flow out of my mouth! Perhaps this was a particularly weak moment of mine or the stars were correctly aligned. Rich was delighted, as we now had our foursome: The brothers – Mike, Rich, Steve and Jeff. The weather was more than stellar, the spirits high and the camaraderie matchless. The only thing missing was a little friendly competition. My damn good idea on this subject was to pair myself and Jeff, play our best shot each time on every hole and see if we could match Rich’s score. Jeff and I were psyched about this arrangement, as it would clearly eliminate the frustration of that inevitable, depressing ‘duff shot’ and an embarrassing ending score. Well, the idea was perfect, as we played almost even through the first few holes. By the 7th Rich was up 1. Our par on the 8th, gave us a one-stroke lead. With incredible acumen (and perhaps a little luck) Rich then sank a 40-foot putt on 9. This sent the crowd crazy! Jeff and I scrambled to log our par on 9, to walk off with a dead even tie!
The standard Heil rehashing of the round’s highlights and the mutual admiration of our golfing prowess followed well into the afternoon. No surprise that Rich wants a rematch tomorrow morning before the poker sessions. All said and done, I must admit, I had more fun than I had ever thought I would – but then again – it is with the brothers!
Rich had the other damn good idea: Organizing this week long brother get-together under the gorgeous open skies of Pendleton, OR. By day, we walk miles of harvested, stubby wheat fields and play golf. By evening, we play poker, chess and pinochle. We dine, sip wine and watch the football games. Best of all we reminisce of wonderful childhood times gone by and speak of our anticipations of times to come. We break down barriers, share hopes and dreams and reinforce how fortunate we all are.
It feels especially good to me to share in person the details of my journey with loved ones. I don’t dwell on medical details, as they often elude my understanding and seem so speculative. Instead, I try answering questions as best I can, while gaining a fresh perspective on the non-medical, emotional aspects of my journey.
As always I look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation for yet another superb day on this unfolding journey. More to come…………….
Wish I could have been a fly on the wall…could have been a book in the making:)
Always, always, you are in our hearts and minds! Even with the current political unreality and trauma occupying so much of our consciousness, we think of you with love.