LightSmith Photography Photo of the Day

Day 112: The final approach

Our friend John Griffis rests in heaven tonight.

The last summer before John & I got engaged to our prospective wives, we played golf at least twice a week. Actually, I need to correct that last statement. John played golf and played it well while I whacked at this little white ball and called it golfing. I still can't believe how patient John was with me. Don't get me wrong...he'd have all kinds of fun ridiculing my every shot, but he'd never hesitate when I wanted to join him for 18 holes.

That summer I got in the best shape of my life. It was largely due to all the golf we played and the fact that when you played with John you walked the course. No carts for John Griffis. But even though I got into pretty good shape that year, I still would drag behind by the end of a round.

I remember this one round in particular. It had to be over 100 and I was playing terrible. When it's that hot, you want to play well because you want to hit as few balls as possible. Instead, I was probably averaging about 8 strokes per hole. By the 18th hole, I was wasted. I remember teeing off on the 18th tee and feeling like I was about to collapse. Not helping matters was the fact that the 18th fairway was all uphill to the green. I turned around to pick up my clubs just in time to see John with both his clubs and mine...one bag hanging from each shoulder...heading up the fairway. He was just that kind of guy.

The last few days I've witnessed dozens of friends who experienced the generosity of this man and who in turn showed up when he needed to be carried down that last fairway. It is a testament to a life well lived.

I'll miss you buddy.

Categories & Tags

Category:

Tags: friends November

EXIF

Focal Length: 24 mm
Exposure: 1/200 sec
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 100
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II