"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." Charles R. Swindoll

I am now a Brandon Matthews golf fan.

I did not know this young man on the tour until he lost the Argentine Open and did something extraordinary.  

Brandon was playing the third hole of a sudden death playoff, and he just needed a little 8 foot putt to close out the win.  Instead he missed it, because a fan yelled out during his stroke. He lost his concentration, missed the putt, and lost the tournament and his chance to gain an entry into next year's British Open.  Of course, he was upset.

Later in the locker room, Brandon discovered that the person who yelled out at the most inappropriate time was a male fan who has Down's Syndrome. He changed his reaction from frustration and sadness to kindness.  He said he wanted to meet the fan who cost him the win, not to confront him, but to talk to him.

Brandon grew up with a friend whose sister had Downs.  Brandon's mom managed a group home for people with Downs, and Brandon wanted to make sure the man did not feel badly about all the negative attention he received after the outburst that cost Brandon the win. Brandon chatted with the man, signed a golf glove and ball, and even gave him a hug.  I admire this young man's kind reaction to such an unfortunate incident. This is humankind at its finest.

This is a very fine young man, with good values and an understanding of how to treat others.  His kindness and compassion toward the person who cost him the win was exceptional. 

Yes, I am now a big Brandon Matthews fan, and if the Golf Gods saw any of this incident, I hope he will be rewarded with some wins and an entry into next year's British Open.

Here is a link about more of the story  https://www.golfdigest.com/story/brandon-matthews-lost-a-playoff-and-potentially-a-british-open-start-when-a-fan-yelled-but-his-response-was-a-winning-one

And one more link https://www.today.com/news/golfer-brandon-matthews-forgives-fan-down-syndrome-who-yelled-during-t167546


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 
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I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

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