I was teamed up with two Directors of Nursing (DON)and one of their guests. The DON assigned to my cart had to decline at the last minute, so she sent her delightful husband. The other DON and her fiance were on our team, but in the other golf cart. I knew right away that he was going to be a tough nut to crack. He is a very big guy, an ex law enforcement agent, apparently a decent golfer, and not outgoingly friendly. This was going to be a challenge. Good thing I like challenges!
My golf game started out slow, and I'm betting he was rolling his eyes thinking...great...stuck with a non golfer. I small talked a bit, and concluded that he might just choose to remain grumpy
I asked him to help me with my chip shots for two reasons: I need help, and also I know that men like to be helpful to we damsels in distress. His help really did assist me...and he started cheering on my better shots. The beer cart arrived, and a round of beer helped to smooth the water as well. And then my driver woke up, and I began to hit 200 yard arrows. We used my drive (it was a best ball format) for five or six holes in a row. He was laughing and amazed, and asked how I golfed after TWO beers.
By the end of the round we were fast friends. Score.
He stopped by my exhibition table later, and told my boss how much he enjoyed golf and that I was REALLY good at engaging conversation. He said he met a lot of people in his line of work, and he could spot the genuine ones a mile away. He also guessed my age, in small talk, guessing 36. Well...that sealed it. He was now best friend material. Anyhow, when he stopped by the booth I gave him a dozen golf balls with our firm logo on them. He was gracious and appreciative and complimentary. And his fiancee was so friendly and chatty, as if a miracle had happened before her eyes.
Well...the next morning I was checking out of the hotel and he appeared. He told me he had a gift for me in the car. We walked out to his car, and he told me they had really enjoyed my company and that because I was such a "good kid" he wanted to give me a gift to reiprocate for the golf balls. And he handed me a bag. And inside was a brand new Brett Favre jersey complete with Brett's autograph. !!! He said he had a collection of Brett autographs from working for many years in the Green Bay area. I was incredulous and told him he HAD to be kidding. But he wasn't. He insisted that I keep it as a souvenir of our golf game. ANd not to tell where I got it, as he can't get autographs for every Tom, Dick and Harry... (so...shhhhhhh...this is our little secret)
I went back to our exhibition booth, and stunnedly relayed the story to my boss. He rolled his eyes, and asked me what kind of magic I did on a golf course. Ha.
And so, the most amazing gift. We'll have it framed and on the wall. Although I generally consider football to be a waste of precious time, I do like Brett. If I like any football player, it has to be Brett...he is an icon around here. (still!)
Pockets of Joy. Who could have ever guessed that THAT picture would be in my 2008 journal??
My sons and husband are all putting dibs on it... I'll give it as a wedding gift to our oldest someday...since then I won't have to decorate our family room around it for quite so many years...
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