Paul has recently renewed his interest in golf and bought himself a new set of golf clubs. His old set was rusty from lack of use. He has been going out with clients and while we were away he  spent several nights at the local driving range. When we returned home last week he asked Sophia if she would like to go “hit some balls”  and she was remarkably enthusiastic to go with him. I was very pleased by her reaction. You see, Sophia and Paul have not exactly bonded as such. Part of it has to do with her age, and part is just her personality. Sophia does not adapt well to change so the remarriage and move were a very big deal to her. And she is also by nature, a very reserved person who takes a while to warm up to you. She is … aloof. In other words, a typical teenager. Paul, bless his heart, is a very patient man. He has tried on numerous occasions to find common interests to share with all the kids. He bought them all wetsuits and taught them how to surf. He took them camping, fishing and sailing. Sophia has enjoyed all of these things, but it wasn’t until the golf outing that she and Paul really hit on something that they could enjoy together.

Earlier that day Sophia had mentioned to me that she was looking for a new sport to try that was fun and not as demanding as water polo and soccer, the two sports teams she was on last year. Paul’s invitation to play golf was perfect timing. I went along too and we all three had a great time. I loved watching Paul show Sophia how to swing the club and she was delighted when she hit the ball really far. The next day she asked me, “When can we go play again?” Perfect.