Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Day 387

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Good morning!!

Yesterday was the ALS Classic at Cog Hill in Lemont, and it was packed with highlights—too many to list, but I’ll try to give you the best of them.

Nicole flew in for the day, arriving at O’Hare at 7:00 a.m. Since no one was volunteering for a sunrise pickup, she spent a few hours in the Admirals Club before we all met at the course. Check-in wasn’t until 11:00, and even then we were early at 10:30.

While I stayed in the car, Cindy, Nicole, and our neighbor Fred (who rode with us) went to scope things out. Being early paid off: we scored a primo parking spot next to the clubhouse, snagged leftover swag from last year, and got to greet many of the ALS United volunteers. Spirits were high despite the gloomy forecast.

Peggy, our care coordinator, came out to welcome us—she always makes me emotional. She’s been such a steady hand for us on this journey, and I’m glad we had a few quiet minutes with her before the throngs arrived.

We had two foursomes. After checking in and getting the clubs loaded, Bill and Monica showed up, and before we knew it, it was lunchtime. We grabbed a patio table and were soon joined by a few uninvited guests—September wasps. Nicole, not spotting one on her chair, sat down and got stung. Cue her hopping up and dancing around from the surprise and sting. Sorry, Nicole, but your facial expressions were priceless. I’m sure today you’re in the itchy stage and scratching stealthily during Zoom calls. Hopefully it’s a remote-work day!

The rest of the crew rolled in—Mike H and his friend Ken, plus Tim, who shocked us all by arriving more than an hour early. This from the guy who usually rolls up 10 minutes before tee-off. A small miracle.

We did group photos, including one big event shot. Thanks to our prime parking spot, I didn’t have far to go. Nicole and I beelined to the front row, where a kind woman next to me grabbed my hand and kept me upright. Without her, fall #14 was in the making. Thank you, mystery lifesaver.

After a stirring National Anthem, it was off to the carts. And right on cue, the rain began. Thankfully it was light at first.

Our foursome—Fred, Tim, Nicole, and me—started on hole #2. Tim crushed his opening drive. Fred had a rough start. Then it was my turn. With Tim spotting behind me to keep me steady, I swung my 5-iron, made contact, and lofted one about 75 yards. A win in my book. Nicole stepped up next, nervous since it was her first time playing. She needn’t have worried—she smacked it pure and outdrove us all. The sound alone said it was perfect. Relief and excitement all at once—her day was off to a great start.

We parred that hole, and, honestly, par became our sweet spot all day. Overachieving, really. After my first swing, I mostly conserved energy—pitching and putting while the others handled the big shots. We leaned on Nicole for the drives and everyone else filled in from there…except me. I was there as an added handicap.

The rains came and went, making walking tricky. But someone was always nearby with a steadying hand. A couple of times, Nicole kept me upright at the very last second—my foursome probably spent as much time watching me as they did the golf.

By the back nine, the drizzle turned to a heavy, blowing rain. With four holes left, we called it quits. Everyone was soaked, we weren’t in contention, and Nicole needed to catch her flight. The clubhouse, a warm drink, and swapping stories sounded much better. Our two groups were tied, so it felt like a good stopping point anyway.

After drying off (and changing, for those who had spare clothes), we hit the road by 6:30. A few stayed for dinner and raffle prizes—I’ll have to check if anyone won.

It was a wonderful day—full of support, laughter, and one unforgettable round. I’m so grateful for everyone who made it possible. THANK YOU!

Have a great Thursday. Love you guys! ❤️