A father’s memory

Mayors can be dads, too, and our Mayor has a special recollection of an important Father’s Day in his life

Being a Father is very rewarding, but it is not without stress. Our family was attending a large high school graduation party for several seniors, including one of A proud dad and his family, circa 2014 my daughters.

Many Arlington families were attending. We had several activities going on, including a volleyball game, ping pong, and cornhole. The junior high boys were playing in the swimming pool, including my son, Ryan. While playing in the pool, Ryan hit his head on the bottom of the pool, was rushed to the hospital, and had to have 100 stitches. The doctor told us that Ryan would not be able to play sports for one year, which included his favorite sport of baseball. Ryan was very disappointed. He had been playing select baseball year-round, with the goal of playing baseball at Martin High School. With being out of baseball for a year, it would be almost impossible to make the high school team. Our entire family and I were very sad for Ryan. The next month was very hard, and we all shed a few tears. We spent a lot of time praying for healing and overcoming this adversity.

Then on Fathers Day weekend, our prayers were answered!

Ryan came to me and asked if he could play golf. We checked with the doctor and he said yes! I was so excited for Ryan and very proud of him for fnding a new path for success. He worked hard the next couple of years and made the Martin High School Golf team and later became Captain of the team. He met some fne young people on the Martin men and women’s golf teams that became valuable and lifelong friends. He also had some great coaches that taught him about life, not just golf. One of those coaches was Coach Max Spencer, who encouraged Ryan and continues to do so.

It was a dream come true for me as his Father. Ryan overcame adversity and found a sport that he loved. In addition, we got to spend a lot of Father/Son time. Ryan and I both enjoyed golf – playing together and spending many nights hitting balls at the driving range at Tierra Verde. Golf continues to provide great Father/son time for us and we now have a great foursome with the addition of my two sons-in-law. As a father, there is no greater feeling, than to see your kids succeed and especially when they overcome adversity.

And, yes, I am proud of my son Ryan!

– Jeff Williams