LA
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Just some thoughts:
For the third time he was about to run out of money and was ready to call it quits and head home to Texas. But for some reason someone believed in him; not only did he believe in him, but took the time and trouble to let it be known.
The old pro had seen him play and liked his swing. He knew talent as he was a seasoned veteran on the PGA tour himself. Seeing the man about to give up, he went to him and said, “You have the best swing out here. If money is a problem, and you are about to run out, let me know and I’ll back you; I’ll take care of it.” Those gestures of kindness and words of encouragement were not forgotten. The struggling golf professional gained his confidence, and he never had to seek out such help from his friend.
Sometime later the one time struggling pro was playing with a young tour player. The young player said of his play, “I was choking like a dog.” In 1955 at the Colonial National Invitational Tournament this young choking pro was handed a scribbled note on a small bit of paper. The note read, “I don’t know what your financial situation is but if you run out of money, don’t quit. This is my unlisted phone number. You call me, and I’ll provide you with money to continue on.” Well, likewise this young professional’s game improved, and he did not need to call out this favor.
Henry Picard, a twenty-six time winner of the tour made that gesture in support of Ben Hogan. Later Hogan did likewise for another professional golfer named Gardner Dickinson.
Sometimes receiving encouragement from those who do what you are also trying to do can make a great deal of difference. I think they call that “Playing it forward.” Sometime back I can remember sitting with a young widow trying to raise three children, carrying the various burdens of life and her saying to me: I don't expect anyone to take away the issues I face, but it sure would help if I knew someone knew and carried just a little bit about the ones I was facing."
You know sometimes it’s not so much the need for help, but the thought that, if needed, it is there. I know I’ve been there on the receiving end of such encouragement.
You?
If so, play it forward.
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November 9, 2011
Keep on,
Larry Adamson