About one hour into practice, Koda started putting at a hole that looked pretty tough, even though it was only a six foot putt. I told Jdog to come over to try and make the putt. It took him seven tries, but he finally made it! I made a little bet with him, and told him that if he could get three in a row he would get a milk shake.
After another hour had gone by, Jaden had only made two in a row and couldn't close the deal with a third.
Some of Adam's golfing buddies had been watching him and stared talking about "that boy over there" saying they couldn't believe how dedicated he is, and that he just keeps hitting shag bag, after shag bag of balls at the same hole. I spoke up and told them that he was my boy, and informed them of our deal. They put two and two together and they realized we were Adam's family and just had to get in on the action! So they all went over to Jaden and started putting with him.
Their timing was perfect since Jaden had hit at least 300 balls at the same hole, he was getting really frustrated that he couldn't make three in a row, even though he had made at least 50 in!
Once the three men started putting they couldn't quit. They wanted to make the putt, they had to make it! One guy finally made one in, then two, but he could make the third either! After a while they decided to give up, and headed out to play a round of golf instead. As they left they told me there was no way he was going to make it, and that the milk shake was a really safe bet!
Jaden came over to me saying that it is impossible to make three in a row, three grown men couldn't even do it! I said, remember, even unsinkable ships sink, nothing is impossible! He said I can't float up into the sky and fly like a bird right now! Well, that is true, but you CAN make three in a row! I told him to go run his head under water and cool off, since we were starting to melt, and then come back out and try again! He said if I can make three in a row, can we up the bet to a large milk shake? Dog, you have a deal!
He went in the club house to cool off and came out with a look of determination! I watched him start the process all over again, he would make a putt, then miss, make two in a row, then miss the third. Then after about 10-15 minutes of that he hit one, then another! You could see in his eyes that this was going to be the putt to seal the deal! He even stepped away from the ball to calm himself down. He approached the ball, took a deep breath, and hit the ball.
It was like watching Tiger on #18 in the 2008 US Open! It was if it happened in slow motion! As the ball rolled you could see Jaden felt good about it, he held his breath, his fists were getting ready to pump, and the ball finally dropped in the hole.
He jumped high into the air, his fists pumping, shouting YES! I did it! It isn't impossible! He had the biggest smile on his face as he ran around the green saying Yes! Yes! YES!!!
So after more than THREE hours of practicing in the HOT sun, Jdog realized the saying must be true practice makes perfect!
2 comments:
Is it weird that this post made me tear up a little? Just reading about his determination and commitment was very inspiring to me, I have never had that kind of perseverance! Just reading about how he knew he was capable of it, and how if he just kept going he would eventually get there, no matter how hot or tired he was, was awesome to me because these are the kinds of pivotal moments in a kid's life that stay with him always. They are the things that shape the attitude that later on determines whether or not they drop out of college, stick it out in their marriage, or apply for that big job. Also knowing they have highly supportive parents who believe in them, and are willing to stand out there in the heat along with them, is invaluable. Loved this!
Kate~
I am going to let Jdog read your comment when he wakes up. It made my day, and I'm sure it will make his! Thank you, I'm glad you like the post, it was VERY exciting for us! :)
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