It’s everywhere — TV, radio, the internet.
Anger, aggravation, frustration, stubbornness and resentment. Friends are parting ways simply because of differing political views. They’re blocking each other on Facebook, “unfriending” each other.
It’s all nonsense.
And in my opinion, a very sad state of this society.
Life is too fragile to let politicians, presidents, political debates and ballots create cracks in our daily lives. Really, life is just too short to fight unwinnable battles.
These thoughts ran through my mind Monday evening as I sat in the banquet room of Bella Vista Golf Course. Earlier in the day, as Sue Huskey and I manned the 14th tee (a sort of “beat the pro” deal to win a TV — more on that later), we discussed the Facebook issues with politics, and how some views and opposing views are creating chaos in various friendships.
And we came to the same conclusion — it’s just sad.
The solution seems simple enough — just don’t discuss politics. In this presidential fight, a person’s views or opinions will most likely not be swayed, and should always be respected, regardless. Someone who is pro-Trump will never, ever consider the merits of Harris, and vice versa, no matter how many points, counter-points are presented.
So, to those folks who think a calm, cool political discussion with a friendly adversary is a good idea, I’d suggest adopting the words of the great philosopher — my grandmother Nana Min — “They can’t shoot you for thinking.”
Susan and I found ourselves on the 14th tee because we are volunteers for the Michael Petrone Foundation, a nonprofit that was formed in 1999 in memory of the 1976 graduate of Bishop Kenrick High School, and a proud son of Norristown. Mike died in 1998 after undergoing a heart and kidney transplant. His high school and childhood friends wanted to honor him by doing what Mike loved best — helping others. And honestly, Mike’s friends have gone above and beyond in that consideration since Day 1.
What a glaring contrast —- thinking about the craziness of all that’s going on politically while being surrounded by all these good feelings floating around the golf course and in the banquet room.
Because you can bet that Trump supporters were sharing laughs, hugs, handshakes and fist bumps with Harris supporters during this event. Friends greeted friends, classmates hugged each other, neighbors embraced neighbors. What was happening in that room that evening was way more impactful than any presidential debate, any political speech or any AI-generated meme (which are running rampant on Facebook).
The people gathered in the banquet room were there to support two families who I’m sure don’t’ really care who is pro-Trump or pro-Harris at this point. They are each fighting battles that are way outside and beyond the political arena.
Monday was the 25th annual Michael Petrone Foundation golf outing, and it was by far the most successful outing to date. Two tee times, a sold-out dinner at Bella Vista Golf Course.
During the morning tee-time on the 14th tee, Susan and I did our best handing out tickets considering we didn’t know what the heck we were doing. During the afternoon tee-time I was still on the 14th tee, but for this stretch I assisted longtime (childhood) friend JimmyDavis (one word to anyone who knows him). Jimmy and I share a love for the street we grew up on (Pine), our neighborhood and our August birthdays. Plus, he’s a really good guy, and a heck of a golfer.
Each year Jimmy donates a big-screen TV, and hits off the par-3 water hole onto the green (which is an island). Golfers pay $5 for a chance to get closer to the pin than Jimmy’s ball to claim a raffle ticket to win that TV. My job was to hand out tickets to any golfer who was able to do that (not a whole lot) and take photos of each foursome. For added entertainment value Jimmy announced to each foursome that I would retrieve the ball if anyone hit it into the water.
I did not do that.
It probably wouldn’t have made a difference if I did jump into the lake — I was already soaked from the rain. I hadn’t been exposed to that much rain since I was a sports writer covering a Wissahickon girls’ lacrosse district playoff game that had to be played because the state tournament was fast approaching.
So, we were soaked, my legs were sore from standing and Jimmy’s back was screaming, but we ushered the last foursome off the tee and made our way to the banquet room for dinner and prizes. Life, I thought, can indeed be a chore.
But what a silly, selfish thought that was — even if that thought only lasted a second — a millisecond. Because just a few minutes later I was escorted out of those miserable thoughts by Stacey Weaver, the daughter of Ed Lincul, and the parents of Connor Mocey, Colleen and Brian. They managed to put everything, everything back into perspective.
Stacey’s words when she spoke of her dad were words of love and admiration. As she spoke of his devotion to West Norriton Little League, her devotion to her dad rang clear. Ed spent most of his adult life in service to others — as a dad, husband, grandfather, coach, umpire, board member, friend. Not long ago he retired after 40 years with Verizon, but then was hit hard by the diagnosis of ALS. His friends rallied around him, and the Petrone Foundation was called on to help this kind, selfless man. Stacey spoke of her family’s appreciation for the efforts of the Michael Petrone Foundation — the Lincul family will have financial support in outfitting their home to accommodate Ed as he bravely battles ALS.
And her words were received with a standing ovation.
Connor’s mom, who is expecting their third child in October, was joined at the microphone by Connor and his dad. She shared the struggle that the family has gone through since Connor’s initial cancer diagnosis. The 4-year-old had 14 rounds of chemotherapy, 31 fractions of proton radiation and 10 fractions of whole lung radiation. After almost two years of treatment (which included 8 months of treating a misdiagnosed cancer), Connor rang the bell — he received his final chemo treatment. At that announcement, Connor did exactly what we all did, cheered and pumped his fists. He’s adorable, and the thought of this bright, happy little boy has faced, really, a lifetime of battling cancer, is unimaginable. But Connor has, and he did so with a strength, his mom said, that is unmatched by many (if not most) adults.
1 of 5
Connor, of course, got a standing ovation as well — which I saw through the tears that were obstructing my vision.
And as I watched Connor happily cheer because he was done with his treatment, my mind wandered back, just for a second to what brought me to the Michael Petrone Foundation. And as usual when I think of the folks who are the driving force of MPF, I felt an overwhelming sense of admiration for these high school (Hail, Bishop Kenrick) friends of Mike Petrone that they could make such a huge impact on the folks they help. And do so with humility and grace.
I became involved with the Michael Petrone Foundation for a simple reason — I’m trying to pay it forward. When my husband died unexpectedly in 2016, MPF “adopted” my kids and me and held a beef and beer, with proceeds going to the family of Jim Rodgers. The financial support, and I’m not exaggerating, meant the difference between a good night’s sleep and a total breakdown.
Without question the support from MPF was a godsend. Mike Petrone’s group of friends embrace families who are dealing with tremendous stress and trauma, and have recognized that by raising a bit of money, they give their beneficiaries what’s needed most at the moment — hope. Let me tell you, hope can get you through even the most devastating loss. Hope is the lifeline that can save you from spiraling out of control.
And that’s what MPF handed to us when they handed us the proceeds from that beef and beer — hope. It’s the superpower of MPF — lighting the way to hope. The support from MPF was confirmation that there are indeed good people in the world, in my world. And that knowledge allowed me to truly believe that if you surround yourself with good people, good things happen.
So, when MPF’s organizers of the golf outing hand those checks to the Mocey and Lincul families, make no mistake, they’ll be handing them a lot more than money in the bank. Because in honoring their fallen friend, the Michael Petrone Foundation has proven to be an unending source of hope.
Email Cheryl Kehoe Rodgers at [email protected]
Originally Published:
