As St. Patrick’s Day nears I remember my Irish/English Heritage. The shamrock has been used as a symbol of Ireland since the 18th century and is registered as a trademark by the Government of Ireland. Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint is said to have used it as a metaphor for the Christian Holy Trinity. Over several centuries there have been varied opinions by botanists and herbalists on the plant species of the shamrock. 

It was used traditionally for its medicinal properties in Victorian times. I liked the definition of the shamrock as a purple field clover, which can be eaten to make one “speedy and of nimble strength.” Any of us living with CF would like that. Ireland is also the country with the highest incidence of CF in the world approximately 1 in 19 people are said to carry one copy of the altered gene that causes CF.

I have always marked my golf balls with a shamrock. It is common for golfers to mark their balls with some insignia to be sure they play their own ball and not another player’s ball. I use the shamrock hoping it will bring me good luck. I played golf last week in sunny weather in March and I did have some good luck, one birdie and three pars. Golf is part of my regular fitness regimen along with swimming and yoga. I enjoy being outdoors and like to walk the course whenever I can. Mark Twain said golf is a good walk spoiled. I try not to let that happen. Golf is popular in Ireland and there are many exceptional golf courses there. I even played there once.

Now that I am retired I have a lot more time to play regularly with Women’s Clubs. I enjoy the walk and companionship of fellow golfers as well as the competition. Golf can be a metaphor for life: there are good shots and bad shots – missed putts and one putts, disappointments like landing in a bunker or out of bounds and triumphs like getting a birdie or chip-in to keep your score under par. Golf that “four letter word” is a mind game and requires concentration and confidence on every shot. One has to work to find the “sweet spot.” Living with CF is not always easy and there are bad days where there is no “sweet spot.” In golf I can have a bad hole and have to forget it and move on.  Remembering to relax and not “spoil the walk” and maybe sometimes give myself a break and take a Mulligan. I wasn’t diagnosed with CF until I was 64 years old and have made it to 71 years.  Must be the luck of the Irish, the shamrock and active lifestyle!

My sister Loretta was not so lucky and died from CF when she was just 21 years old. In 2010 the year I was diagnosed; I wanted to give back and remember my sister. I worked with CFLF staff to establish the Loretta Morris Memorial Fund to award Recreation Grants for activities that my sister and I have enjoyed: swimming, golf, dancing, and horseback riding. Fifty-three (53) donors have supported the Fund raising $62,000 for Recreation Grants to CF children and adults. Over the eight years, 127 grants have been awarded with several for golf. 

A few highlights are included here.

 

Austin, Age 19- Kentucky
“I want to be looked at as a normal person not someone with a disease. Out on the golf course with my friends are some of the best times that I have. Golf is a life saver for me.”

 

Olivia, Age 14- Illinois
“Olivia loves to play golf. She feels that it is challenging but also very enjoyable. Last year she received a grant through the Loretta Morris Memorial Fund and was able to learn the fundamentals of golf. She hopes to get good enough to get a scholarship for college through her golf.” -Olivia's mother

 

Nathan, Age 14 - Washington
“Golf is usually a peaceful sport and gives me the opportunity to relax and enjoy time outdoors. Fresh air helps me breathe better.”

 

May the luck of the Irish be with you as you get outdoors and enjoy your favorite activities this Spring. You can help others find their “sweet spot” by making a donation to CFLF. Erin go Bragh.

 

 

Barbara Morris Harison lives in Ventura, CA and served on the CFLF Board. She was diagnosed with CF at age sixty four (64). She lost a sister to CF forty-seven (47) years ago and established the Loretta Morris Memorial Fund with CFLF in 2010. Barbara is retired after a long career in public parks and recreation administration and management of her own consulting business, Harison & Associates. When she is not swimming laps or golfing she volunteers for community organizations.

 

 

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***Please speak with your physician before making any changes to your CF management***

 

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