A DYING WISH AND THE MASTERS
By Ted Pannell
410 Words
Some golfers dream of playing in the Master. Others may dream of
playing
like the Master pros. But for my best friend Carl Pfeil, an avid
golfer, he
just dreamed of attending the Masters.
Several months ago, Carl age 65, was diagnosed with lung cancer, in
spite
of the fact that he had never smoked.
With the support of his wife Patty and three adult children, the
battle
began. They set up a plan of support; to do all there was to do. It
was a
difficult ordeal, with good and bad days, but with the encouragement
and
enthusiasm of his family, he was upbeat and confidant.
In April, things begin to slide downward and with his strength and
voice
fading, he struggled on. Finally, a walker was needed, then an
electric cart
to get around. Carl was a devoted walker, and still desired to be
mobile. So
on his cart, with Patty walking beside him, he took his usual route,
waving
and smiling at his neighbors.
When the Masters started in Atlanta, Georgia, Carl expressed a wish
to go
see them. Son Tom, who normally had access to tickets for most any
sporting
event, had no means for the Masters. But a miracle happens. Somehow,
Tom
managed to obtain tickets for the Sunday final.
From Durham, N.C. off they went in a motor home to Georgia to see
the
Masters. At the course, Carl said he wanted to sit at Amen Corner. It
was one
of the most popular holes due to its difficulty and he liked the name.
From
the parking lot, Patty, sons Ron and Tom and other family members, took
him in a
wheelchair to the hole.
Carl was alert, and thrilled as he watched his favorite
professionals
playing by the hole. After a while, he began to weaken, his enthusiasm
fading.
"It's time to go," he whispered.
Solemnly, he was wheeled back to the motor home and they returned
to
their home in NC, unable to see the finish of the tournament.
With family gather around him, Patty dialed their daughter
Jennifer, who
was on a business trip.
"Say goodbye to you father," she said to Jen. Patty put her on
speakerphone, and words of love and caring were exchanged as the family
wept, quietly
saying their goodbye.
After the call, Carl drifted off, his dying wish fulfilled.
Next year at the Masters, Carl will have the best seat on the
course -
without a ticket.