The Important Things In Life

Today I am in such a great mood. On a personal level, my daughter had her 6th surgery in 6 months and we are heading in a great direction for her health and peace of mind for Mom and Dad including our family and close friends. I haven't been able to get out to throw some plastic in about 10 days. Is it tough? Yes. But is it worth it? Without a doubt. I would give up my life for my daughter without question.
I miss having my disc golf buddy.  She goes on my disc journeys with a red wagon in tow, screaming for her Pink Disc to carry around for the round (my pink Star Wraith). I miss being able to throw it on our outings and even when she is absent, I make sure not to throw it when there is a possibility of losing it because I couldn't bear seeing her sad in seeing it was missing when we arrive at the first tee.
It took having a child to realize what is truly important in life. I spend my days working to ensure she is happy at all costs. Now when days off come, it turns into Daddy - Daughter adventures. I always try to remember my training. Remember my grip, make sure I am using a fluid motion, and follow through. But in the back of my mind, she always reigns as a first priority.
She is only two and can have the attention span of, well, a two year old. There has been moments of driving 30 minutes to a course and before we get to the 1st tee, having to retreat back to the car and go back home because she isn't in the mood. Then, there will be days where she will spend 20 minutes romping around in the woods helping me look for a ill-thrown drive. She runs the household and I wouldn't have it any other way.
For as long as I have been playing this great game, I always strive to be the best I can be. Always think about strategy and try to have as much fun as I can have. Now when my partner is in tow, I spend more time making sure she is having fun, or in the shade, and enjoying herself. I can honestly say I sacrifice 1-3 strokes a round, just by being preoccupied. I have had to take a break in several rounds because the lure of a playground in sight pulls her away. So be it. Her smile is worth it. So the next time you see someone with young ones in tow, give em a thumbs up or a positive word because they may not be at the most competitive level with them, but they are introducing the next generation to the sport, and they have their priorities in check. They may have the next Val Jenkins, Paige Pierce, Paul McBeth, or Ken Climo. Here is to all the parents that put their children above their own priorities.