Arthur had always enjoyed playing the game. He had enjoyed the peaceful greens, the clean air, and the fellowship of his pals on the golf course for years. However, the unrelenting march of time and the toll it took on his eyesight had lately made him less enthusiastic.
One day, he came home looking very dejected. He entered the welcoming living room where Evelyn, his wife, was enjoying a cup of tea. He sagged into his favourite chair and sighed heavily, as though the entire world was on his shoulders.
He said to Evelyn, “That’s it,” in a resigned tone. I’m quitting golf. I couldn’t see where the ball went after I struck it since my eyesight has gotten so bad.
Evelyn, who has always been a kind and understanding wife, felt for her husband. She stood up, walked to the kitchen, came back, and handed Arthur’s shaking hands a warm cup of tea.
Evelyn couldn’t stand to watch her husband so discouraged when they sat down together. She had a thought that would reignite his passion for golf. “Arthur, why don’t you take my brother, Albert, with you and give it one more try?” she drew in closer.
Arthur blinked startledly. He questioned, “Albert?” This is not good. Your brother is 85 years old. He can’t solve my golfing problems.
Evelyn leaned closer while her eyes glistened with resolve. “Arthur,” she firmly said, “may be 85, but he has wonderful eyesight. I’m telling you, he might be the answer you’re looking for.
Arthur decided to follow his wife’s advise the following day. He asked his vivacious 85-year-old brother-in-law Albert to go with him to the golf course. Arthur was eager to try it one final time despite his initial doubt.
When they arrived at the golf course, the grass was still damp from dew. After standing on the tee, Arthur inhaled deeply and swung his club with all of his strength at the ball. He struggled to follow it as his eyes squinted down the fairway. He asked, turning to face Albert, “Did you see the ball?”
Of course, I did,” said Albert, who was watching from a distance and grinning wryly. I have excellent vision.
Arthur felt a flicker of optimism return. “That’s awesome! Tell me, then, where it went.
For a brief minute, Albert’s face wavered before he grinned and said, “Well, you see, Arthur, my memory isn’t what it used to be. I’m not sure where it went.
When Arthur and Albert started laughing, their concerns and annoyances vanished into the cool morning air. It served as a timely reminder that, when faced with difficulties, a good chuckle and a little company may go a long way.
The two brothers-in-law discovered happiness as they resumed their round of golf in the imperfect, wonderful moments that life has to offer rather than in the flawless swings or the ideal vision. With each swing, kids learned that family ties and a love of the game persisted even after the ball was misplaced in the distance.