LEDGER COLUMNIST

Every once in a while you run into people who, despite being dealt a crummy hand in life, have persevered and continue to live life to the fullest.

Every day, if you take the time to look around, you'll see them and be inspired by their positive attitudes. And you might just feel a bit guilty when you think of all the times "minor" problems have placed you on your "pity pot."

I'm reminded of a saying: "I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet."

No matter how bad things might appear to be, these words tell me things could always be worse.

This past weekend I was playing in a golf tournament in Hendersonville and one of the guys I was paired with was decked out in full Clemson regalia - orange hat, orange and white striped shirt with a BIG tiger paw, white shorts and orange and white golf shoes. Not only that, but his bag was bright Clemson tiger orange as were his head covers.

Remember, now, I'm a Carolina fan and the bright orange of Clemson can be somewhat distracting on the golf course (and anywhere else for that matter).

We introduced ourselves and I said, "I see you're a Clemson fan."

"Someone's got to pull for the winners," he fired back.

Great. This is going to be a fun day, I thought.

I didn't think much about his slow, deliberative movement during our introductions, but when we got to the first tee, I knew why.

Cal's left arm was pretty much totally paralyzed. I found out later he had had a stroke, which also caused him to lose most of the use of his left leg.

He walked with a very slow shuffle up to the first tee and put his ball on the tee with his good right hand. He took his club in his right hand, waggled it a few times and then popped the ball right down the middle of the fairway about a hundred yards or so.

Impressive.

Shot after shot, he kept pecking it down the fairway and made a 7 on the first hole. With his handicap (golf, not physical) that gave him a net 5.

And on it went, hole after hole. He wouldn't let his partner tee his ball up, mark it on the green or get it out of the hole.

It was brutally hot Sunday and as the day wore on, I could see Cal was fading fast. But he kept at it. The pace of play was as slow as the temperature was hot - extreme.

After the 14th hole, Cal announced he'd have to sit out a few holes.

I think his wife, who started following us after the front nine, might have had something to do with that decision.

Throughout it all, his partner, David, was right there with him, cheering him on and trying his best to keep them in contention. Both seemed to be having a grand ol' time, even though their scores were getting progressively worse.

Did I mention Cal is in his 80s?

I was inspired by Cal's dogged determination and positive attitude. The little things I moan and groan about seem pretty inconsequential in comparison.

And I was impressed by David. He knew they did not have a chance to win the tournament, but being with his friend and competing is what was important to him.

Life is not always kind, but with the right attitude, even the worst of situations can be overcome.

Having good friends helps.

Cody Sossamon (cody@gaffneyledger.com) is publisher of The Gaffney Ledger.