WHY do some children, when they reach the so-called age of reason, get estranged from their parents? I ask that again after learning that Patrick Reed is one of them.
Reed, to those not yet in the know, has just crowned himself the Masters champion in Augusta, Georgia.
In victory, Reed has now become a hot candidate to win golf’s Grand Slam, which is the rare feat of seeing one sweep all four majors of the year to include the British Open, U.S. Open and the PGA Championship.
Only five own that distinct honor to include the retired Jack Nicklaus (all-time best of 18 majors won) and the suddenly resurrected Tiger Woods (14 majors).
But none of the previous Masters winners had the sad experience of Reed’s—if it’s that sad, indeed.
I find it sad.
Anytime I hear of a family rift pitting children against their parents, my heart bleeds. At times, it moistens my eyes—as had happened after I had read Reed’s case.
Reed married Justine in 2012.
Reed’s parents, Bill and Jeannette, were not invited.
“Justine made sure we were not in their wedding,” said Bill.
When pressed to elaborate, Bill refused to discuss the specifics.
In the 2014 U.S. Open, Justine also ordered Reed’s parents out of the course.
In each of the five tournaments that Reed won last year, not once were Bill and Jeannette present.
When Reed became the 82nd winner on Monday of the Masters, golf’s most prestigious event, Bill and Jeannette were at home—just five kilometers away from the Masters battlefield in Augusta National.
“We wanted to be at the ceremony, but we couldn’t buy badges,” said Bill.
After watching on TV Reed bury the winning four-footer on 18 to beat Rickie Fowler by one shot, Bill, Jeannette and daughter, Hannah, hugged each other, sobbing.
“It was a group hug, so we also had an imaginary Patrick with us,” said Bill.
In six years, Patrick’s marriage to Justine produced two children.
In six years, Bill and Jeannette—and Hannah, too—had yet to see, hug, their grandkids.
Reed, read this: What profits a man who gains fame and fortune but is not in good terms with his parents? Reed, heed this: I keep telling my siblings (we are nine) that our parents have never done us wrong. It is us who did, still do.
Reed, repent.