As the U. S. Open reached it’s conclusion at Olympia Fields Country Club just outside of Chicago last weekend (Father’s Day, June 15, 2003) another story was unfolding within the main story. First there was the championship itself. This year’s champion was Jim Furyk. He tied the U. S. Open record with an 8-under par performance. He became only the third player in U. S. Open history to ever reach double figures. Throughout the day’s round the television commentators spoke often of the close relationship he had with his father who is also the only coach he has ever had. As he accepted the trophy (and the sizable check), he turned his tear-filled eyes away from the camera, toward his Dad, and said, “Happy Father’s Day.” That, in itself, is a great story, but there is another.

    Even before Furyk sank his last putt to win the championship (Yes, I did watch the whole thing), another amazing drama was being played out on that same course. This also is a story of victory, but perhaps on an even grander scale. This is the story of Bruce Edwards. Edwards has been Tom Watson’s caddie since 1973. He has carried Watson’s bag through “The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat” for thirty years. At the end of Thursday’s round Watson thrilled all fans old and young alike by sharing the lead at five under par at the ripe old age of 53. For those who don’t follow golf, that’s not the norm. But, there is more to this story.

    Last January, Edwards was diagnosed with ALS — Lou Gehrig’s disease. There is no known cure. Watson is using his celebrity status to call attention to the disease and has committed to take care of his friend’s medical expenses. He spoke not only of the disease in every interview I saw, but he also emotionally shared his love for his friend. As the week unfolded more and more people became aware of Edward’s condition. On the last day, the crowd began to express their appreciation.

    A good two hours before the USGA crowned a new champion, Watson and Edwards received something few would expect in the modern world of sports. As they approached the green on every hole the appreciative crowd stood, applauded and chanted, “Bruce! Bruce! Bruce!” As they approached the 18th, Watson and Edwards walked side by side with Watson’s hand on Edward’s shoulder and received what may have been the loudest cheers of the day.

    For thirty years, Bruce Edwards has been unknown. For thirty years, he has walked with Tom Watson over thousands of miles of the worlds greatest golf courses in all kinds of weather. He has shared the ups and downs that go with any competitive sport. As friends, they have no doubt also shared some of life’s most difficult storms. He has encouraged Watson, he has advised him, and he has surely felt the pain and the joy of winning and losing with Watson. He has done it quietly and from the shadows. That is the role of a caddie. His job is not to take the spotlight. His job is not to receive the applause. His job is to carry the bag, rake the traps, clean the clubs, pick up the practice balls, walk off the yardage, and encourage his pro. He has done his job well. Maybe on Sunday, he received his greatest paycheck.

God has not forgotten you.

    I’ve talked about Edwards not to focus on golf (although that’s not a bad subject), but focus on the fact that most of us will never win the U. S. Open — or any open for that matter. Most of us will never stand before millions of television viewers and be able to say before the whole world, “Happy Father’s Day.” Most of us will never be famous. Most of us will never be dubbed the “greatest.” But, all of us have the opportunity to encourage.

    We all, everyday, have the opportunity to say an encouraging word, write an encouraging note, give an encouraging hug, or offer a prayer of encouragement. We all, everyday, are given someone who needs our help to carry their bag, to clean up their mess, or to cheer for their success. We do it by fulfilling our role. We do it by filling our place in the Kingdom. We do it by walking in the shadows.

    Bruce Edwards has walked in Tom Watson’s shadow for thirty years. Mike Furyk has walked in the shadow of his son. Behind the scenes, unknown to others, they have done their job and done it well. They have received some of their reward. You will, too. Maybe not on national television or with a large paycheck, but your reward is waiting. God has not forgotten you. Your deeds as you walk in the shadows are not unnoticed.

    As you walk in the shadows doing God’s work remember, you are not forgotten.

    Keep walking in the shadows.

 

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Title: "Walking in the Shadows"
Author: Tom Norvell
Publication Date: June 25, 2003