When Ethan was little, we ran the gamut on introducing him to sports. Starting at age 4, he was involved in something. His dad, being an avid football lover, wanted his son to be the star center for our local football team, just like he was back in his glory days. So, those two boys started with flag football. Ethan powered through, loving it at first and enjoyed having daddy as his coach. Brenton, oh man, he was in his glory heading up the team, scheduling practice's and all the other joys that come along with it...for him anyway. LOL! It was fun, don't get me wrong, but I never saw the spark in Ethan. Yes, he put on a good game face and tried his best, but something just wasn't happening like it should've. By the end of 3rd grade, Ethan let us know that football was just something he wasn't wanting to do. Wait, what? How does a football loving family have a son that just doesn't enjoy playing the game? Loves watching the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday afternoons, but getting in there and playing himself...nope, just wasn't interested! Yeah, that was a hard pill to swallow, especially for Brenton, and at first he thought we needed to push it. His thought was, "if Ethan doesn't play football, then what will he do?" At that point, I had no clue, but I didn't want to push something that just wasn't working for Ethan. I refused to be that parent! Ethan has the build to be a football player, but his heart...oh no, he's not a "get out there and kill'em" type of kid, so to speak. I reminded Brenton of the time that Ethan was out on the field and felt bad for the other team, so he gave the play away. Yep, that was my son! He was sad for his friend who had no idea what was coming, so he thought he should let him in on the action. LOL! It took Brenton a minute, to truly gather his thoughts and I just asked him to please remember that this wasn't about us. We had to give Ethan the respect of allowing him to make decisions for himself and listen to him. Which, thinking back, was probably the first time we did just that!
I always imagined, after having our boys, that our life would be filled to the brim with activities. I thought we'd be at some sporting event every season and truly, that's all I knew to do. I enjoyed sports in my high school days and so, I just thought that's what came natural for all kids. However, I found out, that's just not true and that next fall, when most boys were heading to the field, we found ourselves home. Instead of getting ready for a game, my two guys were getting up bright and early to head to the golf course to work! At this point, unbeknownst to Brenton, he was introducing something to Ethan that he had no idea would turn into something beneficial. It was just something to give Ethan something to do, a little responsibility maybe? Possibly even, a little way to show him something that might just steer him back to the football field? You know a little tough love! For Brenton, this was something that was a way of making extra cash and a weekend outing with the guys for a few hours to shoot the breeze. You know a little "reap what you sow" type of deal...work one day, to play the next! However, what daddy didn't realize, is those little eyes were watching and those little hands loved every moment of being with him at the country club. Yep, Ethan fell in love with the nitty gritty side and the luxurious side, all at the same time! Taking in all the elements of manicuring the course for men who would be arriving, that very day, ready to enjoy the freshly mowed grass, taking in the smells, down to the sound of the wind hitting his ear when he swung his club...all of it was pure joy for him!
Yes, the game of golf captured Ethan! His eyes were opened and he took full advantage of the opportunity with his dad to learn all the aspects. Not just playing, but the science of running a course. Ethan has been up every weekend at 5am to "work" with Brenton and what that has done, is monumental. It's given this kid the insight of his future career even, because now he wants to become a Golf Superintendent and it's given him the confidence of knowing that there is a sport out there that fits him perfectly. It's a sport that neither Brenton or I even thought would be something he'd enjoy, because it's not your traditional "Friday Night Lights" type of sport. However, it's a sport that will take him so much further in life than any of those others possibly could.
Parenting is hard, but I have found that it is so important to let our kids have a voice. Allow them to open up and express what is going on inside them. Give them the opportunity to make decisions, might not be what we'd want for them, but I tell you what, sitting here now on the flip side, it's so nice to have peace in our lives. The joy of seeing our son happy is what this whole thing is about anyway, right?! What Brenton was trying to do in the beginning, turned into something far beyond his wildest dreams. He created an avenue for his son that allows him to thrive! These two are too cute to watch, because they enjoy all the time they get to be together. Brenton might not be the "football" dad, but let me tell you he sure is one hell of a "golf" dad and Ethan is reaping the benefits!
Last night, Ethan started his golf lessons again and he loved being back at it. He enjoys spending time with his coach, Carl, learning. This fall, he will officially be part of the golf team and that will be so fun to watch him do what he loves to do! The moral of all this...When life gives you lemons, turn right around and squeeze those bad boys to create lemonade. LOL! This boy, is going to soar and we will be right here, sipping our lemonade, cheering him on. For, whatever he chooses, we know he'll make us proud!♥
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