If you click on the picture below it will take you to a video with the story of Bernie Smoot. WW2 veteran. Thank you Sir. Part of our freedom paid for with your blood.
I don’t know Mr. Bernie Smoot, but I do know Mr. Atkins. His story below the picture/video.
About six years ago I was going to play a quick nine holes of golf. I got paired with this ninety year old gentleman. That fact that he is black is important to my point. It’s about life, love, persistence and forgiveness.
At the time we started playing I didn’t care if he was green. I only had enough time to finish nine holes and was thinking with this old dude I’d barely finish six.
All I’ve got to say is, “damn.”
With his kind smile, wry sense of humor, and some most excellent trash talk, Mr. Atkins proceeded to A. Kick my ass. B. Wear my white ass out trying to keep up.
Was some of the most fun I’ve had playing golf. We’ve played again only once since, but we’ve had some great talks in passing.
Mr. Atkins is a pastor. In his mid nineties, he plays golf normally five days a week.
We’ve talked about life, family and faith. He grew up at a time when there was vicious racism in Virginia. His only reference to that part of his reality was love, persistence, and forgiveness. He lives it. He radiates it.
I always look forward to seeing him. His sharp wit, kind smile, and always caring demeanor are stand out, allstar level, genuine really good human being stuff.
It’s okay to have wanted to be like Mike. It’s way better to try and be like Mr. Atkins.