Tribute to Dad (and Greg Norman)

Because I'm not a great writer, I have no compunction about posting others' ideas. I really liked this one from Kevin, having rooted all morning for Greg Norman to win the British at age 53. God willing, I've got some good years left!

In the early ninetiess, Jimmy Connors, at age forty, made a run to the semifinals of
the US Open. He happened to be, coincidentally, the same age as our father. "See
boys," Dad told us, "I'm just now entering my prime."  After the Open we'd go out
and play tennis and just like Conors, Pops played like he'd just found a new gear he
never knew he had before.  Later that decade, Cal Ripken, another super-forty year
old, set the record for most consecutitve games played in MLB and hit a home run in
the All Star game (Aaron you might remember that one. It was back when the Orioles
were good).  When deciding the stickball teams, Dad would say "Look guys, Cal Ripken
is forty three years old and he's still playing shortstop and hitting home runs. I'm
pitching today and you're not going to hit me."

Now, at age 57, Pops is as strong as ever.  He's taken up biking and flying.  He 
continues to run well, and will still probably beat me in Ping Pong when I come home.
Amazingly, he's recently become a very good golfer, to the point where he may be the
best driver in the family. 

Watching the British Open, I hear the commentators express their amazement at how
good Norman looks and how in shape he keeps himself in.  I agree, he is in great
shape.  But on the contrary, i'm amazed at how much older he looks than Pops, four
years his senior.  And I can't help but think that if Pops saw Norman out running on
the beach, he'd catch him, congratulate him for his great rounds of golf, then
ease on by him. 

And so when we all recongregate for a labor day reunion, I can already here Dad 
saying, "Guys, Greg Normal led the British Open for 56 holes.  I'm playing from
the tips with you."  He'll play from the tips, and I have no doubt he'll play well.
But, Dad, you've gotten it wrong now.  The mantra is no longer yours to recite. 
It's Norman's.  "If Lessmann can continue to run, continue to play tennis, continue
to bike to work, and revolutionize his golf game at 57, then I can go out and play a
couple good rounds in England.  Big deal"  And so he has.  And I'm not surprised.