Amid wildfires in the West, floods in the Midwest and a shaky economy, our country trudges on and one of its greatest perils isn't even taking place on our soil, namely the war in Iraq.
One little boy wishes it was over.
I learned of this young lad on my last trip back east to Philadelphia, and for me it epitomized what a bond between a father and son really is. The winning and losing of sports was a mere formality and never entered either one's mind.
Kyle Lagrasso is a five-year-old left-handed golfer who happens to be pretty good. He normally beats people twice his age - actually four or five times his age. His drives cut the fairways in half, his putts are precise and his chip shots have accuracy that would make even Phil Mickelson take notice.
Kyle understands the meaning of hero but in a boyish type of way. Actually, he's one himself, having beaten cancer for the time being. He was diagnosed at two-years-old, but he began his fight and fought valiantly to beat it. The little linkster was destined to hit a ball again and putt for a birdie. He literally fought for his life.
His dad, Jeff Lagrasso, is fighting for his life every day too, but in a different scenario. He faces death firsthand while dodging bombs and bullets in Iraq. A typical day for him is a far cry from lush greens and neatly packed sand bunkers. In fact, the terrain he faces is one big sand trap.
In a few short weeks the younger Lagrasso is going to lose his best caddy. No more trips down the fairway. No more help reading the greens and no more helpful tips on what club to pull out of the bag.
Yes, the elder Lagrasso is getting ready to ship out for another tour of duty to a distant country where a lot of servicemen fail to return. He'll miss his little Tiger Woods but he knows his son is a battler.
He knows deep in his heart that his son views him as a hero for our country, even though he's not adorned with medals and accommodations. His son asks him on a daily basis if he's going to die in Iraq.
Pretty amazing questions considering they're coming from a child who was close to death as well. He dearly wants his dad to return so they can play 36 holes in one day or enter another tournament.
In his mind, Jeff probably wonders if he'll ever see his son again. Kyle most likely has the same thoughts about his dad. Together, they will fight to stay alive.
It's confusing for a young boy to lose his dad, his best friend and the main individual who helped him wage the fight of his life, to a senseless war in another land. His admiration, though, stands above everything else and he couldn't be prouder.
On the other hand, it must be frustrating for Jeff to leave his son behind, knowing that any day the cancer that is currently in remission may return before his stint is over. In the middle of all this is a mother and wife trying to make the best of a move to San Diego.
The bond, however, has been formed between father and son. Out on the golf course they do their best work. They think alike, laugh at bad shots and strive to get better while secretly wanting to stay together instead of thousands of miles apart.
I admire Jeff and every soldier fighting for our country. I admire Kyle for his constant battle against a foe that can sometimes be more fatal than a roadside bomb.
One is fighting for our country to save lives and one is fighting to save his own life. Their father-son relationship goes farther than making an eagle or a hole-in-one - way beyond that.
I'm one person who's personally rooting for them to be re-united in California. I admire their bravery, their zest for life, their admiration of one another and their dedication to sports and protecting of our country.
Even though the shadow of tragedy looms every day, they deserve what every father and son deserves - to grow together and enjoy life.
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Rich Taylor has been coaching youth sports for over 25 years, is the Co-Director of the ACE Powerband national arm strengthening program and formerly scouted and coached in professional baseball. His column, A Sideline View, appears once a week. Reach him at rjtaylor23@yahoo.com
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