Miracle at Golf Mart

Originally written on Monday night, July 15....I have been riding a bit of an emotional high since Tim Lincecum's no-hitter. Perhaps I need to get more of a life, but I love it when I catch a good Giants game on TV, and I love it even more when it's an epic one.  But nothing can beat what I saw today, nothing.  Why? I saw a living miracle.

I arrived at Golf Mart to begin the much needed task of purchasing a legitimate (read: expensive) driver.  I took a few swings in their indoor digitized driving range when I heard a familiar voice. "Ms Stricherz?" I turned around and could not believe who I saw. Standing before me was my former student, Ben, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in August 2012.  

Without treatment, ACL is quickly fatal.  Treatment is contingent on finding a bone marrow donor.  Unfortunately, Ben's siblings were not a match.  Furthermore, as sited on Be The Match, Racial and ethnic heritage are very important factors. Patients are most likely to match someone of their own race or ethnicity. Today, there simply aren't enough registry members of diverse racial and ethnic heritage. Latinos comprise but a small percentage of the bone marrow donor base. The bone marrow drive that was held at SI in Ben's name sought to increase awareness, educate people about the disease and ultimately find a match for him and others with Leukemia.  

Perhaps that was the first miracle—15 people registered as donors.  The generosity of others didn't stop there.  A man in southern Europe was found to be a match and agreed to donate his bone marrow (this is not a given). Ben received treatment on December 13, 2012; his body accepted and engrafted the cells.   He is a survivor. He is healthy. In short, he is a miracle.   

Ben played football all four years at SI and I imagine a host of other sports as a boy. Because of his health and weakened immune system, for now, he is limited to sports that are less physically taxing. Golf is a legitimate option and as far as I'm concerned, a good one (hint: next blog posting). 

As we were talking, I realized I stood in solidarity with him.  To look at us, you would never guess it, but we had come to Golf Mart for similar reasons.  Health had changed our relationship to sports.  High intensity, aerobic, contact sports are off the table—for Ben's immune system and for my heart health.  

Fortunately however, the wide world of sports offers many varietals, like yoga, walking, archery and golf.  Although I miss really pushing myself and breaking a sweat for a runner's high and the camaraderie that comes with playing hoops, the joy (and frustration) of golf has surpassed my expectations. Unlike many sports, I can play with people of any age.  For example, last Friday, I played with two women in their 60s who crushed the ball. Today, I played with a beloved student, who will be one of two captains on the girls varsity golf team.  It has also brought me to some beautiful places in and around the Bay Area. 

It's funny to think that Golf Mart is one of them...but when you see a living, breathing miracle, you can't help but give thanks for something like our health, the generosity of others and all that is to come....for Ben, his family and new friends I will make through golf.  
Photo Credits
From Caring Bridge: Ben Aguilar

Thank you Timmy: Life Lessons from a No-Hitter

We paid our greens fees and my friends said "Are you sure you don't want even just a push cart?" With his first no-hitter fresh in my mind, I replied "Tim Lincecum threw 148 pitches last night and struck out half the batters he faced, the least I can do is carry my bag for 18 holes." 

My charge may have proven to be a little ambitious as I trudged through the 475 yard 16th hole, but I couldn't help but think of the 7th no-hitter in San Francisco Giants history and all the life lessons I have taken from it.  Here are but a few--some with examples that speak of the spiritual life and some that are implied... 

The importance of hard work.
The only way to get the distinctive "no-no" is to finish the game.  For Timmy the Kid, this meant being on the mound for nine full innings, for coming to bat 3 times and I'll write it again because in the modern game, it's rare--for throwing 148 pitches.  Even though Lincecum said, "I felt fine out there from the first pitch. Maybe just a little sweaty" he had to have been physically and mentally exhausted." 

The spiritual life requires mental stamina as well.  My aunt once told "never take faith for granted.  If you don't work at it, you can lose it."  I knew her words were spoken from experience, and that work, quite often is hard.  Spiritual growth isn't a given; I now understand there are hundreds of spiritual disciplines for a reason.  Different disciplines resonate with different personalities. Regardless, they yield a common fruit--spiritual growth and a living faith. And the more you work at it, hopefully the easier it is to stay with it...Which leads me to...

The importance of sabbath.

Or in this case, the All-Star break.  Even though he was voted to the All Star team for four straight years (2008-2011), the rest this year will serve Lincecum and his $20.25 million dollar arm well.  

The break provides an important framework for thinking about the season.  Teams build their squad, rotation, line-ups and chemistry from April until mid-July, with but a day off but once a week (usually Mondays or Thursdays).  The three days off is significant. Once the All-Star break has passed, fans and athletes know what the focus becomes--how to get to the post season.  

The Christian sabbath is no different.  It marks a new week and when used for its intent--rest, worship and prayer, faith and family, it can refresh and re-energize the soul.  The sabbath is increasingly more challenging to observe.  Thank God for holidays and summer break, for they remind us what we are called to do weekly.  And when we do rest, we remember why it's important.

We never accomplish anything great on our own.
I asked my brother what percentage of the credit for a no-hitter should go to the catcher.  Even though I was much more generous with my number for the 2012 NL MVP, Buster Posey (25%), it was fun to think about.  A good catcher will frame the high heat in the strike zone; he calls each pitch, he aims to outsmart the batter in the box.  Of course the glory of this effort goes to the pitcher for he is the one using his arm to throw the ball at over 100 MPH. But there were many outs where and when #55 pointed to a teammate, calling them out (and maybe saying F*** yeah...this is a reference to a very popular Giants T-shirt).

My favorite image from this great game is Buster Posey hugging Lincecum for many reasons.  It puts Tim front and center, but that embrace from Posey verifies how we can and do lift one another up.  Our gifts and talents work in tandem with each other's.  It's no secret that Lincecum and Posey are not the best of friends. In fact, it's very rare that Posey catches for him. But on this night of nights, they made the masterpiece happen...as did Hunter Pence--awesome catch, Pablo Sandoval at third, etc etc.

Familiarity with a location or venue makes a huge difference.  
I came home from dinner with friends and immediately turned on the TV To watch the game because I had been to a Padres vs. Giants game at Petco Park last August. Giants fans refer to this yard as "AT&T South" because it so much Orange and Black in the stands, it looks and sound like a home game. Having visited a venue that rivals the beauty of AT&T North, made me want to watch this game in particular, and it changed the way I watch it.  I know the field, its quirks and how the Giants may play it differently.

My trip to Rome in April 2009 deepened my appreciation for "The Vatican."  When Cardinal Bergoglio became Pope Francis, I could envision where he was standing and asked us to pray for him before he prayed for us. They refer to a visit to Jerusalem as "The Fifth Gospel." I love that claim. I have no doubt visiting the Holy Land would transform my experience with the Readings and my faith. To walk where Jesus did must be incredibly powerful and humbling. I hope to get there someday....and to Petco for another series with the Giants in town.

To Win is to Honor Him.
I've written about Eric Liddell's words many times and given many examples for how and why I believe this is true.  As demonstrated in Chariots of Fire, Liddell believes the excellent use our gifts and talents is one way to honor the Creator--God the Father.  

When Hall of Fame announcer Jon Miller asked #55 who was the first person he was going go call, he immediately responded "my dad."  I wondered who he would say and his response came as no surprise to anyone.  Enough said.

The Freak.
Tim Lincecum is beloved by Giants fan for hundreds of reasons.  Drafted 10th in 2008 out of the University of Washington, he developed in our farm system.  He emerged as a positive face for the Franchise when we needed one--in the Bonds era was finally behind us.  He is why I consider the 2010 NLDS Game 1 one of the very best sporting events I have attended; he struck out half of the Atlanta Braves batters that night!  He gave this 2013 a much needed shot in the arm and he did it because of his talent, his teammates, his dad and now he gets to enjoy a week off.  Thanks Timmy for the memories!

And enjoy the Mid-Summer Classic tomorrow night.  Props to Mad-Bum, Buster Posey and Marco Scuataro

Photo Credits
Pence Catch
Posey-Lincecum

Spirituality of Wrestling

Whenever I find out a school has a wrestling team, my immediate response is "good."  Many schools, including the one where I teach have eliminated this classic sport.  When they do, I believe that something spiritual has died.  

I have never intentionally gone out of my way to watch a wrestling match.  I always thought the head gear and pinnies were rather peculiar looking.  No one in my family has wrestled and I can't tell you much about the rules, but I do know that it is a sport that has a cult following.  I know it was in the ancient Olympic games and because of its weight divisions it is accessible to athletes in a way that another winter sport--basketball--is not.  I have often thought part of its popularity in the midwest, Iowa in particular, is because the extreme cold weather climate lends itself to an indoor sport that challenges its athletes to something much more than just physical competition!  Wrestling demands great mental focus and preparation, skills that I believe are necessary in our faith lives.

A popular biblical story is one in which Jacob wrestles with an angel.  The Book of Genesis says "Then some man wrestle him until the break of dawn."  Jacob said "I will not let you go until you bless me" to which the angel replied "You shall no longer be spoken of as Jacob, but as Israel, because you have contended with divine and human beings have prevailed."  

Living With Christ, a daily companion "for praying and living the Eucharist" says "There is something both fascinating and consoling about the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel. Jacob wrestles through the long night.  Sometimes we wrestle through the night too--not with an angel, perhaps, but with problems, decisions  questions, fears, pain.  Jacob is remarkably persevering in his struggle, refusing to let go of the angel until the angel blesses him.  How persevering are we in our struggles?  How persistent are we in our requests to God for help?  Steadfast God, be with me in all of my wrestlings...."  Praying with and reflecting upon this made me wonder To what degree might a wrestler be more adept at persevering in prayer? Maybe he (or she!) finds a spiritual role model in Jacob.

I have a sense the coaches and wrestlers at St. Louis University High School can speak to that.  Hanging front and center of their well lit, welcoming and open wrestling room is a sign: SLUH Wrestling Team Principles.  It drew me in.  From it anyone can gain a sense of what wrestling demands--hard work, hustle, accountability, and attention to detail.  But the first two principles indicate that there's something spiritual about the sport.  

Wrestling on a team requires care for each other and the gifts God has given.  Perhaps when your only equipment is your body, as opposed to a stick, racquet or club(s) you have a better sense of that.  Many of those same principles are what Jacob, who renamed was Israel, lived by.  They are ones worth considering as we face the decisions, questions and fear that life affords.  Perhaps I will make it to a wrestling match later this year to gain a few tips on how I can do that....

Photo Credits
Statue

Breakfast with Wimbledon, A Breakfast of Champions

I woke up this morning ready for "Breakfast with Wimbledon." Since I was a teenager, I have set my alarm for the Sunday match up of the men's finalists. No strawberries and cream or all-white ware in my home, but the third and perhaps most prestigious of the Grand Slam tourneys is a royal treat (pun intended).

Growing up, NBC had the rights to air Wimbledon which was highlighted by hosts Dick Enberg and Bud Collins.  As someone who grew up fond of Wheaties' as the "Breakfast of Champions," I always thought NBC's marketing campaign was a good one. Indeed, breakfast with Wimbledon had to be the most important meal of the day.  

And yet, a friend recently asked me "What meal isn't important?" Even though breakfast "breaks the fast" from sun down to sun rise, doesn't every meal play a part in keeping us strong, hydrated, fit and focused?  If "food is fuel," is breakfast really that much more high octane than the others?  Yes and no.

When I eat a healthy breakfast--one chalk full of fiber (bran flakes?), antioxidants (blueberries), calcium (milk) I feel as though I am ready to take on the day--be it Monday or Friday!  I can creatively respond to the challenges that come my way.  I stand a little taller and the world looks a little brighter. Yes, all this is made possible by a fortified breakfast (and a good night's sleep).  Let me be honest, as much as I adore the donut, it holds no weight to oatmeal with raspberries and almond milk--even when it's an apple fritter or powered up with a hot cup of Joe!

As much as I love breakfast--and I do--it's important because it's one of many indicators  that reveal how we start our day is what we should be intentional about.  Forgetting to eat it is leaving the tank empty.  Our brains and our bodies know the difference.  

By way of another example, the holiest men and women I know begin their day with prayer. They set aside time in the morning to sit with God.  Essentially, they are cultivating the most important, fundamental relationship in our lives--one with the Lord. Taking but five, ten or 60 minutes when the day is off and running can be incredibly challenging, but I have heard all of them share that they couldn't accomplish all that the day requires without doing so.   

Times in my life when I have been most committed to prayer in the morning, I have felt the difference.  I know that no matter how busy the day gets, I have already prayed for my loved ones, thought about what might need to be reconciled and thanked God for another day.

The same is true with morning workouts.  As a collegiate rower, everyone wants to know how I handled the morning practice.  The 4:30 a.m. alarm, was never easy and yet nothing beat the feeling of coming off the water as the sun was rising and going with my teammates to South Dining Hall for a healthy breakfast.
Or another example was born out of one of my Lenten disciplines.  I gave up listening to music while running and gained time for prayer and reflection.  I love it when my schedule permits me to run in the morning.  It is a tremendous gift--time with the Lord and time to pound the pavement.  I strongly recommend it!

Coming back full circle, this year's Breakfast with Wimbledon left me energized and inspired by Andy Murray's performance.  Does any athlete look more high energy and fit than Novak Djokovic?  As he was gaining momentum in the third set, Murray--already up two sets to none--found something inside of him that did not quit.  He returned every winner, drop shot and overhead smash that Djokovic served.  His concentration and focus were akin to mine after the Olympic Club cafe's Green Monster smoothie (kidding).  

And yet, my favorite part of the 127th All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club's final match was when Murray dedicated the win to his coach Ivan Lendl, who never completed that feat.  Lendl lost to my favorite player Pat Cash (so I'm shedding no tears on this one).  

In "Murray hails Lendl for inspirting Wimbledon glory" Murray said “I just think for him, obviously ideally he would have won it himself, but I think this was the next best thing for him. I’m saying it seriously. He believed in me when a lot of people didn’t. He stuck by me through some tough losses the last couple of years. He’s been very patient with me. I’m just happy I managed to do it for him.” 

Murray was playing for many people--his homeland, his mum, the Dublane school community, and yet the relationship of coach and athlete was today's highlight.  It gave me plenty to think and pray about--Who do I dedicate accomplishments in my life to?  What do I want my athlete's to achieve?  Who has been patient with me?  Who do I need to be patient with?  What will make my athletes happy?

Good questions to chew on at breakfast, during prayer or while exercising. Have a great morning! Enjoy!

Photo Credits
Murray Wins
ML Retton
Breakfast at Wimbledon
Murray Wins

The Balm of Sports

The unexpected, sudden death of a loved one is profound. Faith, time, acceptance of the new relationship, God's mercy abate the tremendous grief and sorrow, but death is so hard...and it is so heavy. Watching the Oakland A's play the Chicago White Sox however, I realized at their best, sports serve as a balm, one that in a small way eases the pain and can open us up to God's grace.  

Josh Nemeth was a huge White Sox fan. He was raised in a house divided. His mom and her family, ever close to their home in Wheaton, IL were loyal to the Cubs. So loyal that when Josh's sister Courtney got married, that half of the family went out of their way to point out the "C" on the china at the reception cite was in favor of their Cubbies.

But Joseph Nemeth IV, "Josh," was his father's son. When push came to shove he sided with the south side. And this from an outsider's point of view, this is hard to do.

The old and new Comiskey (now Cellular Field) have no charm, especially when compared to the brick and blooming ivy at Wrigley field.  The uniforms over the years...well, let's just say I think it's a good thing they launched the "good guys wear black" in the '90s. To their credit, the Sox are generous and competitive with their payroll, they have a colorful history and personalities to match. I will let the Nemeth family support and defend the rest.

In 2005, this team did the impossible. They remained in first place from Opening Day until they defeated the Houston Astros to win the World Series title. It had been 88 years since the franchise last clinched a championship. It was the White Sox's third and the first in Josh's lifetime.

San Francisco Giants hold Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" as the unofficial theme song of our city's first World Series championship, but the credit should go to that 2005 crew. When they swept the series in 4-games, I called Josh's sister Courtney; I knew her dad and brothers had to have been ecstatic.

Josh died on a routine morning run of an asthma attack; he was without his inhaler.  At just 33 years of age, he was a beloved son, brother, Godfather and teacher.  A graduate of Notre Dame, he taught chemistry for eight years at Cristo Rey High School—a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition that serves economically challenged families. I still tear up when I think of his passing and the loss it has left with his older sister, one of my favorite people—Courtney.

I think of the madness of this world and why the good die young. A wave of pain fills my heart and then I remember, in his lifetime Josh accomplished so much. He touched hundreds of lives--his brothers in Zahm Hall and his students. I find a little comfort in knowing in his short life, he also got a World Series title. As a baseball fan who waited 37 years for one, I know what this means.  It's incredibly sweet.

The Oak Park newspaper wrote "As a lifelong White Sox fan, he stuck with the team through thick and thin. He was a deeply religious person, as well: When his family went to his apartment to gather his things, they found an open bible on his bedstand."

I run as much for my physical health and my mental health. I use that time to think and to pray. I have often wondered if Josh was reflecting on the Word as he ran that morning. Or maybe he was thinking about the Sox game from the night before.  If he's anything like me—he was doing both. 

The prophet Jeremiah raises the question Is there no balm in Gilead? no healer there? Why does new flesh not grow over the wound of the daughter of my people. The New Testament reveals that the balm is Gilead is Christ Jesus.  He is the true source of deep healing and yet I don't think it unfair to believe some things help along the way.  Not all cities get championship rings. Not all sports fans are as loyal as Josh.  I delight in knowing Josh got to savor a World Series victory; perhaps half of the Nemeth family can take comfort in that.

Photo Credits
Sox Logo
Josh Nemeth
Believe it!