New Beginnings and Emotional Endings

 Exactly one week ago today, Miles high school golf career ended.  Although he's played at Hopkinsville Country Club a handful of times, last Wednesday was not his day.  His dad was his coach, and we couldn't have ordered more perfect weather.  Karson was able to join us as well. Due to UofL's scheduled fall break and her preceptor's vacation schedule, she was able to be with us a FULL week which was awesome.  He knew the course would play tough, and it did!  He started off strong, but then had some terrible tee shots and couldn't see to put a game together.  HCC is one of those course where accuracy matters!  The greens were fast and you needed to get on them (or close) with your tee and approach shots.  

 

Towards the end, we were all emotional as we knew his season/career was coming to a permanent close.  

Coach Jim was tearful, and it made me tearful.  We were hugging and sobbing!  He's been with Miles for the last five years, and they are like father and son.  We are truly grateful he stuck with us and him 'til the end.  This will also be his last year coaching our team.  

We all went to O'Charley's for lunch which also happened to be free-pie Wednesday.  It was a bittersweet end to a bittersweet day!

I have cherished every moment watching my golfer the last 10 years in competition, especially his kindness and support of other competitors.  We have developed some very close friendships.  He received some of the kindest words from social media which I want to document: 

• Marissa Brown - Pretty special how this sport brings some of the best friendships.  Loved it brought us together.  And proud of your boy.
• Justin Harris -  Even if it was for a year, we are so thankful to have had Miles out there with Rowdy.  What a wonderful human and role model you guys have made.  Miles has many fans for good reason. 
• Robin Smith - So very proud of you Miles!  Awesome accomplishment!  He's a great golfer and even better person!  He had made a huge impact on Carson's life and we couldn't be more thankful for y'all!
• Tiffany Mayes - Heck of ride Miles!  Thankful we got to know y'all!
• Casey Stephens - So proud of him!  Love this sweet kid; such a great person!
• Joe Patterson - pretty grateful for the 18 hole walk that our families took together for so many years.  Fun conclusion to that journey today.  Blessings, Deaton friends.....

There's something special when parents you don't even know come up to your during the round and tell you how wonderful (and refreshing) it is to be paired with your son.  Miles is a wonderful human and known for his kind heart.  Very thankful that he will have this sport for the rest of his life -eh-hem and be VERY good at it.  Let's go win some scrambles!

Last Saturday, we ventured out to the Children's Entrepreneur Market and on-purpose stumbled upon Mae Kathryn's vendor booth at the Community Farmer's Market.  I purchased some key chains for her, some soap scrub, a personalized bracelet, and lemonade from a few other young talented entrepreneurs.  What a sweet event and some incredibly talented young people!

 

Our Cardinal has five rounds of clinicals left to complete her practicum.  Her cap, gown, stole and cords arrived this weekend.  She had a telephone interview last week and has an in person interview this week.  Everything seems to be coming together quickly.  She got to golf last week, catch up some homework, binge watch some TV, and worked three jigsaw puzzles.  We cherish our time with her and are looking forward to these next few exciting months!