In the midst of the world crazy, we had a little of our own kind of crazy. Mason texted me at work one morning and asked if I could call him. We don't generally talk when I am at work and it was a busy morning. I told him I probably wouldn't get a break until lunch and was that okay? He said "no problem. That's fine." A few moments later I got a text from a friend saying they were so sorry about the news but they had confidence Mason would be fine. Ummmmm....I knew I was missing a crucial piece of information. So, I took my phone into the supply room and tried to reach Mason. On a zoom call that morning, Mason learned that Brown cut their golf program, along with several other sports. The school Mason had committed to attend and play golf for back in November would no longer have a competitive golf program. In the moment, I will say that Mason handled the news more graciously than I did. While I cried amongst the wound care supplies, Mason said he knew we would figure it out. I also instructed Mason on texts. Seeing your college dream crumble is not a "wait until lunch" text. It's a "mom, call me now, " text.
I will spare you the details but the last month or so has involved looking at options. Talking to golf programs and coaches, zoom calls, touring campus's virtually, spreadsheets and many difficult conversations. Michael, Sebastian, Mason and I have met a few times to share thoughts, questions, options and to listen. We did not all share the same opinion and Mason knew this. We all brought a different perspective to the conversation. But, despite our feelings, we all knew the two most important things - that the decision belonged to Mason AND that he would have our support whatever he decided.
Father's Day he had it down to two schools. Brown was still a strong contender. He could still attend. He would pursue Engineering and play club golf. Most of the team is staying and will play club golf with the same coach. They will likely get invited to some of the tournaments but as a club team, they don't have the ability to qualify and have all the same opportunities that a varsity sport has. He loved Brown. It was his dream school when it offered BOTH golf and engineering. He had met the golf team and enjoyed them immensely. He loved the campus. He loved the open curriculum that allows him to pursue engineering but still take other classes that interest him such as English....BUT he has always wanted to play competitive college golf. It has been his dream for a very long time and Brown was no longer providing that opportunity.
Valpraiso was the other school that had emerged from the group. Valpraiso is a small school in Indiana. They have a competitive Division 1 golf team. They had a freshman they had recruited that was no longer attending. They were interested in bringing Mason on. The coach was interested, encouraging, personable and persistent. Valpraiso also has a good engineering program. It might not have the academic program diversity Brown has, but it had the golf he dreamed of. He was torn. We had given him all the input we could and now it was up to him. So, Sunday afternoon, in honor of Father's Day, I asked him to do what my dad would have done. My dad, who ironically had a huge passion for golf and would have been one of Mason's biggest fans, would always take out a yellow legal pad and make a pros and cons list. So, I told Mason to make his pro and con list for each school and bring it with him to the river. I was on my paddeboard and Audrey and Mason were in a double kayak. In the middle of the Tualatin River, away from the people, I told him to read us his lists. He had a lot of great points for each school. He had well thought out arguments for both. We listened and asked questions. At the end he said he just didn't know. I told him that was okay. He would figure it out. We enjoyed the rest of our adventure, returned home and he was showering getting ready for dinner with his Dad. After he was showered and dressed, he walked out of his room and with confidence said, "Mom, it's Valpraiso." I said, "okay, it's Valpraiso." And it is. Today he signed his letter of intent to play golf at Valpraiso. He leaves early August.
This kid. I could not be more proud. Someone asked me how I felt. Beyond the excitement and relief, I told them I felt a little sad. I was sad that he was passing on what I am sure is a pretty amazing, well rounded education. He is passing up on Boston and a wonderful and more diverse campus. But, I would have also been sad if he picked Brown. I would have been sad that he was letting go of this dream of playing competitive golf and wondered if he would regret it. There was a bit of a loss either way. But this was his decision. I know with 100 percent certainty that he made this decision for him. He thought long and hard about what he wanted. Mason takes this part of his journey alone. He cannot live someone else's dream. This is his. And he is going for it. He is confident, kind, thoughtful, smart AND a college golfer. He knows he is all of these things so he picked the only one he could pick.
So tonight we had signing day #2. A group of his friends, several who were with him on signing day #1, joined us and we celebrated. Celebrated this kid who had taken an adverse situation and made it into something full of potential and opportunity. With each turn the past few months where things didn't go as expected....over and over....he has pivoted. He has shown more graciousness and courage than most. He has pivoted so many times and he has not wavered or become dizzy. He has just kept going.
So here is to you my amazing Mason. This is your moment...again. You remind me that when one dream doesn't work out, you keep looking until you see the next one waiting behind it. Go do great things and know that you are loved.
