The weather here in Memphis has been spectacular over the last few days. nearly non-existent humidity and temps in the mid to low 80's..now only if it will stay that way through the weekend.
Yesterday morning they took him to the Vet and found Sam had a Kidney disease. the Vet advised them to put him out of his misery and they did just that. They then brought Sam home and gave him a burial in their backyard. Nancy's oldest son Ernie is away at a Religious Retreat Camp where cell phones are not allowed, so he will not find out until Sunday. Sam was truly Peter's cat though. I feel so badly for him.
He was not milking it for the cameras to make excuses for wayward shots. It has not been revealed that Tiger has had a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for the last 11 months.
Folks, this is an injury that has ended a number of sports careers. Now also add to that the knowledge that he also has two stress fractures at the top of the tibia, or shinbone, where it forms part of the knee joint. This injury probably occurred as he pushed himself to be able to play in the U.S. Open.
He will have season ending surgery and be out for at least 6 and maybe as long as 10 months.
Will this impact his drive to beat Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 Majors? It very well could. His swing is the fastest on the tour. It has been clocked at over 110 mph, putting a tremendous amount of stress on his left (front) knee.
He might have to re-tool his swing essentially becoming a finesse pitcher instead o a fire-baller. This is also a huge hit for the PGA Tour where TV ratings are 27% higher when Tiger is in the running.
Will it impact his life? Sure, Tiger is a competitor. He has enough money to take care of the next 5 generations of Woods' and he is now a golf course designer, so his income will not go away, but this is the equivalent of the knee injury to Mickey Mantle, the fast ball to the face of Tony Conigliaro, the hit on Darryl Stingley of the N.E. Patriots, to name a few.
"FROM THE EDGE OF THE DEEP GREEN SEA"
The Cure
SHOW
We had to do the same with one of our cats about two years ago. I can't beleive how attached we all were to him.
I hope Tiger will give his knee and leg the proper time it takes to heal. Being so driven, I'm afraid he'll be pushing the limits of it too soon.
We lost our great Sir Humphrey a year ago, and he is buried under a tree in our yard. Even with our two recently rescued felines underfoot, I often trip and offer a non sequitur by addressing the newest cats as 'Humphrey'.
Tiger will come back from his rehab stronger than ever IMO. He seems to be such a fierce competitor, consider how with his leg/knee issues he did complete and win a 23 hole playoff.
JEFFB: It is so sad when a family pet is lost.
I think Tiger will come back, but will not be the same. That does not mean as good, but different.
RALPH: Thanks for sharing. I am just wondering if he will need to back off his swing tempo...as I said becoming a finesse pitcher instead of a fireballer
tough week for the Feline Species.
DOC: Well said.
Poor Nancy. And the boys. My kids STILL talk about our dog, and she's been gone nearly three years. Pets really have a way of becoming a valued member of the family.
Tiger has been so seemingly invincible for his entire career, it's difficult to imagine his being slowed by anything. I wouldn't put it past Tiger to find a way to reinvent himself.
I watched Tiger go hole after hole and was amazed that he could continue to keep his cool and his form. Man, if I have to belch it throws off my swing.
My cat is coming close to the same thing and it's really messing my head up. I hope Sam had a good life with his family.
Sorry to hear about Sam. I do so love cats. The weather here has been the same this week...Breezy, sunny, and only in the 70s. Cheers Vin!!
Oh poor kitty! It's always hard to have to make that call.
Nice music!
I am sorry to hear about Sam. At least everyone can know he's not suffering anymore.
That was incredible news about Tiger Woods. It almost makes me wonder if it was really worth it? Granted, the TV ratings would have dropped, but was one tournament worth potentially affecting the rest of his career?
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Sam. Thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
SONGBIRD: Nancy appreciates the kind thought and you are correct how a pet is family. As far as Tiger, we will all find out sometime next year
NYD: When I think about my swing it throws off my swing.
best wishes for your kitty
MATT-MAN: We all know you love pussys
STARR: YES, but it is sometimes so necessary. Thanks on the music, i decided to throw something in that is unusual for me
RWA: That is what is important. they can't verbalize but we know when they are hurting. He wanted to play...I think he will come back, but I think he will be a different golfer
DANA: Thank you my friend.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear about Sam...
I've never been a big Tiger (or golf for that matter) fan, but it sucks to see that with anyone.
CONGRATS TO SANNI!!
(((((((((to Nancy & Boys))))))))))
I'm so sorry about Nancy's cat...
Ah that's sad - sorry to hear about the cat.
My deepest sympathy ro darli' Nancy & her family. I know how pets are part of the family. Great bit on Tiger. He is amazing!
TUG: Thanks my friend...and you are right...hope he comes back
KB: Sweet - thanks
THE TEACH: Mary, thank you
TOPCHAMP: hanks ..it is appreciated
BUD: She appreciates it and TY on the Tiger compliment.
I'll repeat my condolences for the loss of Sam. It's always so tough to lose a pet, especially when it's so sudden like that. At least Sam made it home so there could be closure, rather than just disappearing never to return.
As for Tiger, I'm not a fan. No reason, just not. But I wouldn't wish that injury on any athlete. Modern surgeries can do wonders, but it won't ever be the same, even after rehab. He may still be able to dominate the game, but he'll be different.
I'm sorry to hear about Nancy's kitty. :( So sad...
Sorry about Nancy's cat. We lost one last fall and surprised The Missus with a kitten in December, so our house has its full compliment of three cats.
As for Tiger, I will miss him. I personally believe he will come back at next year;s U.S. Open but will not keep up the breakneck pace of winning so many majors so quickly. He'll win them, but it will take longer.
My Dear Vinny,
Thank you for sharing the loss of our beloved pet Sam with all your wonderful readers. My addition to your post is to let everyone know of the 11 years Sam was part of our family I can honestly say he was one hell of a cat. Even in the waiting room yesterday I had brought some treats and as Peter was holding him I offered a palm full … Sam politely put his paw on my hand with one claw inserted (ouch) to let me know HEY I may be sick but don’t you dare take those treats away.
A huge hug & kiss to everyone for their kind comments.
TRAVIS: Not everyone is a fan but you are correct...it was unfortunate
MAGS: Thank you
FRED: Not sure another kitten will enter there home, but you never know
NANCY: Wonderfully put baby and with your permission I have added it to Friday's Post
KISS
I am so sorry to hear about Sam's passing. He is waiting now at the Rainbow Bridge, so try not to be sad. He is in a happy place.
Thank you bond for letting us know about Sanni and her new baby girl Lily. She is precious.
Hugs,
Kimmie
Vinny - I am SO sorry that I am so far behind on reading and commenting. These days it seems EVERYTHING zaps my energy.
My condolences to Nancy and the boys on the loss of their beloved Sam. I don't look forward to the day I have to say goodbye to my baby girl Goldberg (yes hubby named her - no he will NOT be allowed near the birth certificate when we have children). My thoughts are with them at this time.
Happy Belated Birthday - I know it had to be better than last years thanks to a certain darling woman right? *wink wink*
Smooches and gropes all around, and I promise to be a better couch potato.
So sorry to hear the sad news! :,(
Thank you so much for the shout-out, Vinny! *SMOOCH*