A Warrior Rises...A Father Becomes A Hero

Tonight I got alone and pushed. Pushed mentally, physically, spiritually. I know I will need to push more in the days ahead, but I went further than normal tonight. It's step one in raising the intensity of my training. And yes, this is much more than a physical pursuit of excellence. It is very much...as much...mental and spiritual as well.

Here's what I know...my opponents are digging deep. I must dig deeper. Not simply to try and match them...but to dig deeper inside me, for me, in spite of me. I don't see my opponents as enemies, but as those who would cause me to go farther than I ever have, and to overcome more than I ever have. They will make me better. Better will not be good enough, though. The Best will. That won't come from them. "Best" can only come from me.

A constant theme coursing through my mind tonight was that of a Warrior rising. Rising to meet the task set ahead of him...regardless of that task, it must be met. For now, my task is the preparation for and engagement of the U.S. Open. I must maintain a laser-focus on this task.

Holly, my wife, told me last night that my oldest son, Michael, is proud of me for doing this...that I was his hero, and he loved being here every step of the way for me and with me through all of this. Can I just say this...I want to make my son proud...and if he sees me as his hero, I have already won so many battles...on so many different levels. If a father and son can tread through blood, sweat, and tears (and there have been all of those already), and walk through both the fire of trial and the sweetness of triumph, and together rise to meet this challenge (in the society and world in which we live) - and I be called his hero by his own accord...is there anything else that can be said!?

Goodnight...I am going to spend some time with my son before bed.