Best Buddy Golf Outing

Ryan has a charity golf outing today with his Best Buddy, Sam. For those of you who are not familiar with Best Buddies, it's a group started by one of the Kennedys (I forget which one) when he was in college. It pairs a college "buddy" with a community "buddy" (an adult with special needs). It's supposed to foster a relationship between the two. It's also about "seeing" the other person.

Once each month during the school year the college buddies schedule a group activity. Then, during the rest of the month the buddies call each other, do outside activities together and in general get to know one another.

Some years we've had buddies let us down but for the last four years we've had Sam. Sam and Ryan have gone to movies, bowling or just played Wii together. Last year Sam's parents came from his hometown and they formed a foursome for the first Best Buddy golf outing. It was such a success they are doing it again this year.

At first, I was a little nervous. What if Ryan is standing in the way when someone swings the club. {shudder} What if he swings and someone else is standing in the way? {erg!} What if he never hits the ball? {a real possibility} What if ... but then I stopped. I told Sam to make sure that no one was in the way for either scenario and let it go! Honestly, we can sure worry ourselves up! They had a great time! Ryan took his camera and came back full of stories and great pics.

Today they go again. The forecast is sunny and 70 degrees. There's a raffle, Famous Daves is catering ... all in all ... it sounds like a day made in heaven! This year I had IRIS pay for both Ryan's and Sam's outing fees and I hope they have an awesome day. This year I'm heading out to the golf course for the dinner and raffle portion of the festivities.

I recommend Best Buddies if your adult with special needs wants to join a fun and meaningful activity. See you soon!
Karen