by Jeff Skinner
Sunday at the U.S. Open is always special. Since the USGA started winding up its main event on Father’s Day there is no shortage of stories on the Father’s Day theme. It’s a natural as many golfers are introduced to the game by their dads.
That wasn’t the case for me as my dad wasn’t a golfer. But I did learn plenty from the old man, an accepted nickname, not an indicator of his age.
Most importantly he showed me and my brother and sisters what it was to be a good parent. The lessons we learned were all by example and have allowed all of us to successfully raise our own families.
Now that I am up there near the age when my kids call me the old man I find the idea of Father’s Day a bit uncomfortable.
Parents are supposed to parent and fathers are supposed to be fathers. I don’t need a day for my kids to thank me. They thank me every day just by being the people they are.
Raising my three children I tried to do what I could to ensure that they grew up to be happy, healthy, competent and confident. So far it has worked out as all three have graduated college and are busy making lives for themselves.
Did I make mistakes? Absolutely, we all do. But somehow, someway the three of them turned out pretty good in spite of me, not because of me.
Over the years they have come to recognize that I’ll always worry about them and offer advice when I think they could use it but I try to let them live their own lives.
That’s one of the things I love about my kids. They figured out that I’ll always be there for them but never too close as to interfere with them living as an independent adult.
It works both ways. They let me live my life too. That’s why this Father’s Day I am down here in Pinehurst doing my thing at the U.S. Open and they’re up north living their lives.
I was so very fortunate to be blessed with three great kids who know right from wrong and how to treat people.
So I don’t need a card or gifts from them to show me anything. They show me everyday in the way they live their lives. Everyday is Father’s Day for me.
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