I love golf. I love to play and I've even developed a taste for watching it on TV.
I think Tiger Woods is the transcendent athlete of our time. I'm giving him the nod even over Michael Jordan.
The reason for the posting is the coverage given to the braveness of Tiger and also of Chris DiMarco in being able to perform after the loss of a parent.
I sincerely do not doubt the emotional distress that either of these gentlemen have experienced and will continue to experience. What I want to express is the importance of realizing that there are many others that experience this daily, yet since they aren't famous, or world class athletes, they don't receive the outpouring of love and sympathy that famous folk do.
I've been extremely blessed in that my family has remained almost intact. I lost my grandfather several years ago, but my parents are hale and hearty (other than some minor blood pressure stuff). I have friends that have experienced this loss, and rarely (never that I know of) are they congratulated on their mental toughness and celebrated on their return to work and "life as normal".
I'm as guilty as the next at deifying athletes and entertainers, but in this case I think the wealth needs to be spread a bit. There are many out there hurting that need some encouragement.
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5 comments:
The "transcendent athlete of our time." Really? Even over Jordan? For swinging a club?
Yep. Black people played basketball before Jordan...Tiger has revolutionized the game. There was never any mention (that I know of) of "Jordan Proofing" basketball courts like they do golf courses in relation to El Tigre.
Of course I wasn't smart enough to mention it at the original posting, but there are some parallels to draw in regards to losing a father for Jordan and Tiger...
Interesting. Not sure I'm with you, but he is at least the most dominant in his particular sport in our lifetimes.
Female perspective--haha. I don't really care about the golf or basketball 'stuff.' (Now, football is different.) You've made an astute observation in that we offer outpourings of sympathy to famous folks and often neglect our neighbors. When my mom died, I just assumed the world would pause for a moment of silence. The world didn't stop-yet I did receive an outpouring of love and sympathy from my own friends. Still it was very difficult for me to come back to work and be productive. I absolutely cannot imagine what it would be like for an athlete to 'go back to work and be productive' after losing a parent. Suppose what I'm getting at is this--maybe those famous folks NEED more encouragement than us regular folks. They need our support to win whatever their big game is---so they need our support when they are down and out as well. However, the last paragraph of your post speaks loudly and profoundly! There are too many that are hurting. Great post!!
Hi, Chris! You have been very busy. So, have you gotten any of my e-mails? We are having lots of fun with the mural project. We'd love to hear from you guys!
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