Since my family is spread out over the East coast, it’s been a dream of mine to see them more often. In the past, we saw them once a year, but it was typically every other year that we visited with at least a few of them and not all at the same time. Little did I know that it would take a machine built for cutting grass, a chore that was assigned to my brother growing up, to bring us together a half a dozen times a year.

While the fun and camaraderie, and yes the laughs that go with it, are centered around a sport that may not rank as serious, this sport and being with my family has made a serious impact on the way I live my life. Not only has this sport given me the chance to spend more time with my family, it has provided an opportunity for me to bond with my dad again and in some ways tighter than when I was growing up. He has taught me many things over the years and I still find myself a student of his wisdom.